Belvidere, IL

The honorable "Captain" Francis "Dutch" Whalen of Belvidere, IL, passed away at the age of 92 years old on December 18, 2017. He was born on April 26, 1925 to Frank and Myrtle Whalen in Sanborn, IA. He moved with his family to Dixon, IL and spent his childhood there until he was drafted into the Navy on July 3, 1943. Dutch became a navy gunner on a merchant ship in the European, Mediterranean, and Pacific waters. In 1949, Dutch was honorably discharged from the service. From 1951 to 1953, he worked for the Colonial Bread Company of Rockford as a bread salesman on a bread route in Rockford and Belvidere, IL. In 1953, Dutch joined the Belvidere Police Department and served the city until 1973 when he retired and ran for the office of Mayor for the City of Belvidere. Dutch served eight years and retired to Seattle, WA, where he was a correction officer for 10 years. Francis married his first wife, Thelma E. McMaster in Yuma, AZ in 1949 and they had 10 children. After his wife died, he later married Ernelene Knight and they moved to Stone Lake, WI.

Dutch is survived by eight children, five step-children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both his wives, two children, Patrick and Mary Jo Whalen, two grandchildren, David Whalen and Rafferty Herzing. Dutch will be interred at Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery outside of Shell Lake, WI.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 22, 2017 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m., until 10:45 a.m., prior to the service. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be made to the family. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com