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IRONWOOD -- Alexander Michael Whalen, 32, of Ironwood, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, leaving a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Born on Sept. 5, 1993, in Belleville, Ill., Alex spent his early childhood in Collinsville before his family relocated to Michigan, living first in Channing and eventually settling in Kingsford for the remainder of his youth. As an adult, Alex called Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana home, before landing in Ironwood.
Alex had a deep passion for woodworking and building. He was naturally inquisitive and intelligent, and he relished a good, thoughtful debate. Yet for all his talents and intellectual curiosity, he was often happiest enjoying life's simplest pleasures, especially casting a line into the water, waiting patiently for the fish to bite.
Alex's memory will be cherished and kept alive by his daughter, Autumn Whalen, and her mother, Shelby Whalen, of Oshkosh, Wis.; his significant other, Heather Luke of Ironwood; his mother and stepfather, Kathleen and Rick Bruinsma of Crystal Falls; his older sister, Ashley Whalen, and her partner, Jacob Colburn, of Niagara, Wis.; his niece, Sophia Granquist of Niagara, Wis.; and his grandparents, Joseph Patrick and Evelyn Whalen of Channing. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
A service to honor and celebrate Alex's life will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The family warmly invites all who knew Alex to join them in paying their final respects to a man who was dearly loved, gone far too soon, and who will be forever missed.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Alexander M. Whalen online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.