Marie A. Whalen

Marie A. Whalen (Nee Pelt). Traveled her final journey to join her late husband John G. Whalen in eternal peace on August 15th at age 97. Marie was born on Sept. 14, 1923 to Peter Pelt and Cora Pelt (nee Kohlsdorf) in Chicago, Il. She lived there until grade school, when the family moved to Milwaukee. She graduated from Mercy High School in Milwaukee in 1941. She worked at Watham’s, where she made some lasting friendships. Marie met her husband John at a USO dance while he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training during WWII. The friendship blossomed into a romance and they married after the war in 1946. Their first home was Holliston, MA near John’s hometown Millis. After a few years now with two children, Patty and Mike, the family moved to Milwaukee to find better employment and nearness of family. In Milwaukee Marguerite “Peggy” was born. Preceded in death by her dearest daughter Marguerite “Peggy” Birmingham (nee Whalen). Marie is survived by children Patty (Dan) Petzold, Michael (Shary) Whalen, son-in-law James Birmingham, and her brother Ray Pelt age 99. Marie is also survived by eight grandchildren and 19 greatgrandchildren. Further survived by many loved relatives and friends. John had an untimely death in 1965, and Marie became the rock we clung to. Working a number jobs until being employed by Schlitz where she retired in 1983. Marie was an active member in the Wisconsin Go Walking Club for many years. She was an avid world traveler, and was always willing to pack a bag. And if you had a game going, she was in. Visitation will be held at ST. MARY CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY (9520 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI) on Thursday August 26 from 10-11:45 AM. Mass of Christian burial at 12 noon. Burial will immediately follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, please meet at cemetery office. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s name are appreciated to Doctors Without Borders or the Mercy Ship.