Florence Whalen

Florence A. Whalen, 100, of Bruce, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, at the Knapp Haven Nursing Home in Chetek. She had been a resident of the Knapp Haven Nursing Home since December of 2008.

Florence Ann Harvey was born to Frank and Christina (Heimer) Harvey on Oct. 26, 1909, in Waconia, Minn. The family moved to Rogers, Minn., and later to Bruce. Florence attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Ladysmith and Milwaukee County Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1931. She worked as a nurse in Ladysmith and a private duty nurse in the Bruce Area.

On March 30, 1937, Florence was united in marriage to Dr. Maurice L. Whalen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bruce. To this union five children were born: Michael, Thomas, Kathleen, Gerald and Mary.

Florence was active in her community, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Bruce Historical Society and the Rusk County Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary. Florence volunteered at the Rusk County Nursing Home until the early 2000s.

Florence was an avid bowler and golfer. She enjoyed gardening and fishing. She taught her children how to fish and good work ethics. Maurice and Florence enjoyed many trips around the U.S. with their dear friends Dolly and Ralph.

Florence is survived by her sons Thomas (Marie) of New Auburn and Gerald (Marylane) of Eau Claire; her daughters Kathleen (James) Smith of Tucson, Ariz. and Mary of Eau Claire; her brother Gerald Harvey of Duluth, Minn.; and her sisters-in-law Carolyn Harvey and Jean Harvey of Bruce and LaVerne Whalen of Blaine, Minn. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Maurice in 1990; her son Michael in 2009; her granddaughter Janette Smith in 1974; five brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bruce, with Fr. Ron Levra officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Nash-Jackan Funeral Home, Bruce, after 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10, with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be one hour before services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice