Jeffrey Whalen

Jeffery John Whalen, age 61, died in his home in Denver, CO on September 4, 2022. He unconditionally loved his family and country and enjoyed the simple things in life.

Jeff graduated from Eldora High School in Iowa in 1979 and later went on to receive his Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies while serving in the Army. Jeff married Tammy in 1981 and had two children, Joshua and Danielle. He served honorably for 21 years and loved his time in the 82nd Airborne and being a Jumpmaster in Fort Bragg, NC. He fought to defend our country in Operation Desert Storm as one of the first soldiers to touch ground in the Middle East. In addition, he also completed a year-long tour in Korea and later joined support Special Forces and JAG at Fort Carson, CO.

In high school, Jeff was incredibly athletic and excelled in football and baseball. His love for sports carried into his love as a dad where he coached his son and daughter in baseball and softball for many years and was their avid fan in everything they did.

Jeff loved being outdoors. His favorite places were the beaches of North Carolina, the Smoky & Rocky Mountains, and any field or golf course. He enjoyed skiing with his children, golfing, playing with & snuggling his grandchildren, family traditions & game nights, celebrating the holidays with his family, and dog sitting with his grand doggies. He will be deeply missed.

Jeff is survived by his loving children, Josh (Katy) Whalen & Danielle (Tommy) Dolan, forever friend and mother of his children, Tammy Whalen, four amazing grandchildren (his pride and joys), Brave Dolan, Harlowe Dolan, Lennon Whalen, & Rowdy Whalen, six close brothers & sisters, Laura (Randy) Kramer, Richard (Evonne) Whalen, Angela (Gary) Thode, Colette (Tom) Pittman, Shawn Whalen (Veronica Reynolds) and Patricia (Pat) Rooney, and 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Bonnie Whalen.

Funeral Services will take place at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 5303 East County Line Road, Centennial, CO 80122, at 12pm. Burial services will immediately follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236, at 2:15pm. Food and drinks to be provided after to celebrate Jeff’s life.

In lieu of flowers, we request any donations in his memory be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org .