Edward Joseph Whelan passed away on July 13, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota. Ed was born on August 18, 1930 to Martin and Mary Whelan in Albert Lea, Minnesota.  He graduated from Albert Lea High School and later graduated from the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Ed served in the US Army from 1954-1956. He later served in the Air Force National Guard, and was a proud member of the American Legion.

He married Nancy Lee Ryan on October 28, 1961 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester, Minnesota. A long-time employee of IBM, his work took him from Rochester to Austin, Texas and then to Lexington, Kentucky. After moving back to Rochester, he was active in the Knights of Columbus.

He was an avid sports fan whether he was cheering on the University of Kentucky Wildcats or his children and grandchildren in whatever sport they participated in.

Ed is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy and his parents, Martin and Mary.

He is survived by his children, Dan Whelan of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Carrie (Mark) Macken of Rochester, and Laurie (Ashley) Keith of Versailles, Kentucky. He is survived by his four grandchildren, Kelsey Macken, Harrison Keith, Ellie Keith, and Ryan Keith, as well as his dear friend, Carol Brunholz.

The Funeral Mass for Ed will be at 10:30AM on Monday, July 18, 2016 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester with Father Charlie Collins officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00pm until 5:00pm on Sunday, July 17, 2016 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home along with one hour prior to the Mass at church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery Rochester.

Memorials are preferred to the Mayo Clinic Development Fund.

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.