Mark Whalen

Mark Eugene Whalen, 69, of Thayer, formerly of Virden, passed away Friday, October 16, 2026, at his residence. Mark was born May 11, 1957, in Springfield, the son of Donald and Florence (Gagne) Whalen.

Surviving are his children: Terra L. Whalen (Ed Waldrop) of Palmyra and Heather L. Whalen of Girard; his grandchildren: Jeorjia Jean Whalen of Girard, Florance JoAnne Wise of Girard, Madalyn Renee Waldrop of Palmyra; his siblings: Delorise A. (Trent) Thedens of Anchor, IL, Donna M. McGuire of Woolwich, Maine, Gerry L. (Marsha) Whalen of Tucson, Arizona, and Nancy J. Whalen of Girard; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mark graduated with the class of 1976 from Virden High School. He worked as a Virden police officer from 1979 to 1981, then later working for Adams County Sheriff's Office in Colorado from 1981 to 1987. He also worked as a drywall and plaster finisher since the age of 15. A trade he learned from his father. He then worked for the International Painters and Allied Trades Union.

He was a softball coach for the girl’s little league in Girard for many years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren, family, and his beloved dog, Ted. He was a member of the Divernon Sportsman Club. You could catch him cooking ribs outside with friends.

Mark will be cremated, and a celebration of Mark’s life will be held later. A private graveside service will be at Virden Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Online condolences may be shared with the family at airsmancalvert.com.