Mike Whalen

On April 7, 2025 in the early morning hours, Mike Whalen, loving husband, father, and Papa, passed away unexpectedly, at age 73.  He leaves behind his loving wife, Marilyn Kay Toppe Whalen along with his daughter, Emily Christine Whalen Smith and her husband Jason Smith, as well as his beautiful and light of his eyes granddaughters: Aubrey Christine Whalen, Stella Grace Smith and Savanna Faith Smith, siblings, Pat Whalen of Farmer City, Sarah Hicks and Paula Ingram of Pensacola, FL.

Mike was born on August 10, 1951 in Ivesdale to Laurine (Conlin) Whalen and Howard John Whalen.

He grew up and at the age of 7 started his farming career, according to what he said.  Never really enjoying school, but still graduating from Monticello High School, Mike preferred to work rather than be “educated”.  He learned best from his grandpa and his dad about farming, and taught himself most of what he needed to know to get the job done on the farm.  While farming, there were times he still needed a job off the farm.  His ability to problem solve, strong work ethic, and trustworthiness led him to Samson Trailers, Paul’s Machine and Welding, and eventually the ability to only do what he loved best-farm.  His pride was being able to own the farmland his grandfather and father had grown crops, and he farmed alongside of them in his younger years.  He accomplished buying the last piece of the Whalen farmground around the homestead, in 2021.  He was so happy that day to have accomplished his dream.

Mike loved talking farming, tractors, plows, combines, etc. with anyone who would listen.  He loved everything about it, from planting and harvesting to working ground and planning for next season’s crop.  He never stopped working on something or having a project he was finishing up and another preparing to pull into his machine shop and start working on.  He also enjoyed being able to help other friends who farmed with their repairs, questions and problem solving.  Mike had a lot of knowledge that will be sorely missed by many, as well as their friendship with Mike.

He was a member of the I & I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club.  He was very active at the Annual Historic Farm Days at Penfield, IL and the Half Century of Progress at Rantoul, IL.  J. I. Case collector, along with plows, Massey Tractors and McConnell tractors.  Memorials gifts in lieu of flowers, may be made to the I & I Historical Gas Engine Club, PO Box 65, Penfield, IL 61862.

Mike will forever be known for his knowledge, strong work ethic and honesty as a farmer in the Ivesdale area and deep love for his family and passion for farming.  In spring a farm brought back to life.  God has put this farmer to rest though, knowing Mike’s work is done and his best friends will help the seeds to grow for him this season.

Visitation from 9 AM to 11 AM and Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM at Freese Funeral Home, St. Joesph, IL on Saturday, April 12, 2025.  A private burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ivesdale.  Casual attire is requested.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mike Whalen, please visit our floral store.