Lawrence James Whalen

Lawrence J. (Larry) Whalen, 82, died Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at home with his family in Gillette. Larry was born January 25, 1935 to Raymond and Madeline Whalen in Niles, Michigan. He grew up in South Bend, Indiana and was the youngest of four siblings.He met, Beverly Verduin, in Jr. High, and they were married in 1954. They were married for 56 years before the love of his life passed away in 2010. Together they raised three sons, Randall Whalen, Brian Whalen, and Richard Whalen. They lived in various states during their marriage. He worked as an oil field surveyor for Conoco, during these moves. They lived in Casper, Wyoming for 10 years, where the boys finished their schooling, and where he worked as a crew chief in uranium exploration for Conoco. He was transferred to Texas where he was an oil scout. He retired from Conoco while in Texas. After retirement, he got to live his dream to live by the lake, and fish daily. While living at the lake, he ran a small repair shop, fixing small motors and boats. They lived in Texas for 20 years. In 2002, he and Beverly moved to Gillette to live with their son, Brian and daughter-in-law, Rhonda, to be closer to family. They traveled extensively after moving to Gillette until Beverly's death. After her death, his daughter-in-law, Rhonda took care of him, and he referred to her as his daughter. He called himself as a rock hound. He picked up rocks everywhere he went. He loved cutting and polishing them. He loved making jewelry and gifts from the rocks and giving them to everyone he met. He was an automobile enthusiast, loving new cars, and fixing old ones. He loved to tinker on things, designing and building different projects.He is survived by his sister, Carol Peek of Georgia; sister-in-law, Betty Tschida of Indiana; three sons, Randall Whalen, Brian Whalen, and Richard Whalen; daughters-in-law, Rhonda Whalen and Linda Whalen; four grandchildren, Kelsey Whalen, Monte Whalen, Corey Whalen (Marni) and Stephanie Freeman (Nick); and two great-granddaughters, Keelie Whalen and Lanie Freeman (His great-granddaughters were the gems of his life); and numerous nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, his oldest sister, his brother and his beloved Beverly. He will be dearly missed. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716