Marianne "Whalen" Murphy

Marianne “Whalen” Murphy, age 82, passed away peacefully at home in the loving care of her family, Sunday, March 24, 2024 after an extended illness. A Funeral Mass will be held 11am Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hanover. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 10:45am, prior to the Mass.

Marianne was born on May 23, 1941, in Savanna, Illinois, to Leo and Ester Whalen. She graduated from Hanover High School in 1959, where she met the love of her life Gerald Murphy.

Following her graduation, she pursued nursing at St. Anthony's School in Rockford and in 1964, Marianne and Gerald were married.

Initially working at Galena Hospital, Marianne later transitioned to a full-time role at Whistling Wings, alongside her father Leo and brother, Bill Whalen. While she missed nursing, Whistling Wings continued to thrive and it became her passion and an integral part of her family and who she was. Marianne dedicated herself to the family business for over 50 years, right up until her health declined in 2023.

Deeply rooted in her community, Marianne loved her parish, St. John’s in Hanover and loved spending time fishing at Apple Canyon lake. However, her greatest joy was by far her children and grandchildren, of whom she treasured dearly.

Marianne was an avid supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, she rarely missed a game. Whether attending in person or watching on TV, she loved the Hawkeyes. She was thrilled when her daughters and several of her grandchildren attended the University of Iowa.

Marianne had a quality that made others feel special. If you were lucky enough to cross paths with her, you know.

Marianne is survived by her daughters: Moira (Greg) Brunk of Chicago, Illinois, and Monica "Moni" Klippert of Hanover, Illinois; her five grandchildren: Jack Brunk, Matthew (Payton) Klippert of North Liberty, Iowa, Mary-Kate Brunk of Chicago, Illinois, Madeline Klippert, and Leo Brunk. She is also survived by her brother, Bill (Sue) Whalen of Hanover, Illinois, sister, Cathy Eisenhofer of Iowa City, Iowa, and Sister-In-Law Paula Wolff Whalen of Chicago, Illinois.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Murphy, parents, Leo and Ester Whalen, as well as her brother, Wayne Whalen, and sister, Barbara (Don) Houseman.