Daniel F. Whalen, 71, of Belvidere, IL, died peacefully on February 5, 2018 in Rockford, IL.  He was born in Wisconsin on October 4, 1946 to Joseph and Helen ( Behlmer) Whalen. He married his sweetheart Bonnie on November 8, 1968 in Chicago, IL.

Daniel attended Boylan High School for his first three years but graduated from Belvidere High School.  He attended  Marquette University. Daniel was employed as a letter carrier for over forty years with the United States Post Office in Belvidere.  He previously worked as a stocker at Piles Grocery Store in Belvidere.  His interests included playing cards, golf, telling jokes and inappropriate comments. He was who he was and everyone loved him for it! He was a past president of the Post Office union and past union steward.

Daniel will be loved and missed by his wife, Bonnie; daughters, Jody (Dan) Brown and Melissa Whalen, and son, Daniel Jr.; brothers, Patrick (Evie) Whalen and Michael (Rita) Whalen, and sister, Mary; grandchildren, Eric (Nicole) Aspenson and Sarah (Dustin) Bankord, Katherine and Andrew Rico, ; numerous great- grand children; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents;brother, Larry Whalen; and beloved dog, buddy.

Arrangements have been made with Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 West Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.