David Joseph Whalen, 28, of Poplar Grove, died Friday, December 3, 2010 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born June June 14, 1982 in Belvidere, son of Dennis Whalen and Barbara (Alexander) Rowe. Faithfully served in the United States Army with a tour of duty in Iraq. David was the type of person to never give up. As a child he enjoyed snowmobiling and dirt biking, later he enjoyed flying toy helicopters and spending time with his dog Jake and cat Jynx. Survivors include father Dennis (Tracie) Whalen of Aurora, mother Barbara K. (Roger L.) Rowe of Poplar Grove, fiancé Crissy Lowrance of Springbranch, TX, sister Katherine (Josh) Roach-Wright of CA, brother Jason (Stephanie) Roach of Monroe Center and sister Cassandra Whalen of Aurora, grandfathers Claude Alexander of Poplar Grove and Francis Whalen of Stone Lake, WI, aunt and uncle Sandy and Bob Alexander of Poplar Grove, nephew Noah and nieces Ava and Violet Mae and cousin Robert Alexander, numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by his grandmothers Violet May Alexander and Thelma Whalen and uncle Patrick Whalen.

Donations may be given to the family for a memorial to be established in David's name for disabled veterans.