Richard “Dick” Whaley

NIAGARA, Wis. — Richard “Dick” Whaley, 88, of Niagara, passed away Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center – Dickinson in Iron Mountain. Dick was born on Sept. 11, 1935, along with his twin brother, Robert, in Hudson, Mich. He was the son of the late Harold and Rose Whaley.

Dick graduated from Traverse City High School in 1953. He married Mary Helen Majszak and they had six children: Kevin, Keith, Ann, Chris, Kelley and Lisa. In 1974, Dick married Lois (Walstrom) Doda. They were married for more than 40 years before Lois passed away in 2017.

Dick held many jobs in Lower Michigan and then was hired as a service man for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. As he worked his way up in the company, he was promoted to District Manager and moved to Kingsford to assume his new responsibilities. After 36 years at Mich. Con., (which is now DTE), Dick retired on June 1, 1994. Along with his job at DTE, Dick and his wife, Lois, owned the Golden Eagle Motel & Campground in Spread Eagle, Wis.

Dick was a story teller. He knew so many people through working at DTE and belonging to the Kiwanis club. Many of his stories were about his life experiences at work and he proudly wore a ring to commemorate his years of service for DTE. Dick also helped at American Martyrs Church, living only one block away, and was proud that his sons served as altar boys there.

Faith was an important part of Dick’s life. He was always the one to say grace at family meals.

Many of Dick’s friends benefited from his generosity. As someone acknowledged his giving nature, Dick commented that it was through God’s will that he was able to be generous.

Dick is survived by his children, Kevin (Tina) Whaley, Keith Whaley, Ann Rodriguez, Chris (Jeannie) Whaley, Kelley Whaley and Lisa (Jim) Bellmore; stepchildren, Kay (Jim) Hendrickson, Luanne (Jerry) Pukall, Jay Doda, Tina Doda and Scott (Kathy) Doda and his sister, Helen (Ralph) Altweis. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Dick was preceded in death by his twin brother, Robert; his first wife, Mary; his parents; a sister, Elizabeth Ann; and his stepson, Todd (Judy) Doda.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Loewen and his staff for the care they gave to Dick. They would also like to thank the staff at Maryhill Manor in Niagara for the compassionate care he received.

The family will be holding a private service to honor the memory of Dick Whaley.