Joanne O'Shea Whalen

Joanne Whalen, 76, passed away on December 15, 2025, just four short months after losing her beloved husband, Bill. Her children find comfort in knowing they are now reunited. 

Joanne was born on August 21, 1949 in Heidelberg, Germany to John and Francis O’Shea, but she spent her childhood in Bagley, MN.  After graduating from Bagley High School, Joanne enrolled at St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Duluth, MN where she earned her Registered Nursing Degree.  While attending school, Joanne met Bill, the great love of her life.  After marrying on June 11, 1971, they made Eau Claire, WI their lifelong home, raising their family there.  Joanne dedicated her life to caring for others, whether in her career as a registered nurse or as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  Joanne is survived by her children, Jennifer (Joe) and Ryan (Kari); and grandchildren, Riley, Laney and Preston.  She leaves behind her sister Maureen and brother Mike, along with her sister-in-law Claudia; and many other loving family members and friends.  Joanne was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Joanne’s life centered around her family.  She found her greatest happiness in being a wife, mother, and Nana, taking immense pride in creating a warm and loving home for them all.  She especially cherished bringing her family together for special events and celebrations.  Joanne loved babies and being a Nana was her proudest role.  She delighted in showering her grandchildren with attention and affection-always making sure she had their favorite treats on hand. At Nana’s house the grandkids quickly learned that Mom and Dad’s rules didn’t apply, an ice cream float was a must, at any time of the day and the candy jar had an endless supply of M&Ms.  Joanne proudly talked about them to anyone who would listen, took great interest in their lives and activities, and was undeniably their biggest supporter.

Together, Joanne and Bill enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. Sunday drives in the fall to admire the changing leaves were a cherished tradition. A hot cup of coffee shared with Bill, along with good conversation, was one of life's simple pleasures that she loved and missed greatly in the months following his passing. She also truly enjoyed getting together with friends and catching up with them on the phone.  Joanne valued all of these experiences, never taking a single moment, big or small, for granted.

Joanne will be deeply missed by all those whose lives were touched by her compassion and grace. Despite living her entire life with kidney disease, she never let the illness define her; she was a fighter through and through and did not let it stop her from living a full life.  A special thank you to her sister-in-law, Claudia, for donating a kidney to Joanne and giving her many extra years before starting dialysis.  Also, thank you to the London Road Dialysis Team, the staff at Dove Healthcare and St. Croix Hospice for their care and support. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at 1:30 pm at Hulke Family Funeral Home with Pastor Debra Boynton officiating.   Visitation will take place that day at the funeral home from 12:15 pm until the time of service.  Private family committal service will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire.   

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joanne O'Shea Whalen, please visit our floral store.