Leona M. (Frana) Whalen

Leona Mae Whalen of Cresco, IA, was 90 years old when she died after a brief illness on November 26, 2021, at Evans Memorial Home, surrounded by her loving family. 

Leona Mae Frana was born on May 25, 1931, at home on the family farm outside of Spillville in Winneshiek County, IA. She was the daughter of James R. and Adella “Adeline” (Shindelar) Frana and was raised on the farm along with her nine siblings. She was baptized, had her first communion, and was confirmed at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville.

Leona attended St. Wenceslaus school in Spillville and graduated from Decorah High School. She worked at the Cresco, IA hospital as an aide where she met Edward “Eddie” Whalen. She married Eddie in August of 1950 and they lived on a naval base in California where they had their first child, Daniel. They later moved to the family farm, south of Canton, MN and raised their four children, Daniel, Kevin, Randy, and Brenda, and their grandson, Adam. On the farm, Leona was a skilled gardener with many beautiful flower gardens and a large vegetable garden. She enjoyed cooking for her family, playing bingo, crafting, fishing with her sister-in-law Zola Whalen, and watching after her grandchildren. Her traditions of making oyster stew, poppyseed cake, and baked breads were enjoyed by family at Christmas and gatherings. Leona was proud of her Czech heritage and took a memorable trip to the Czech Republic. She often spoke in Czech to her family’s delight. Leona and Eddie later divorced and she moved to a home in Cresco, IA, where she lived for nearly 30 years. In her later years, she enjoyed fishing, being with family, and spending time with her dear friend, Angie Drtina. Leona was a devoted and faithful Catholic and prayed the Rosary daily. She spent three months at the Evans Memorial Home before she passed away, with family by her side.

Leona is survived by her children, Daniel Whalen of Canton, MN, Kevin (Della) Whalen of Canton, MN, Randy (Elaine St. Mary) Whalen of Cresco, IA, and Brenda (Allen) Holthaus of Cresco, IA; Grandchildren Adam (Abbey) Whalen, Jason Whalen, Richard (Sara) Hollenbeck, Rusty (Gina) Whalen, Mikel (Kelly) Hansen, Erika (Mike) Malena, Cassidy Whalen, Rachel (Rod) Vsetecka, Sarah (Matt) Halweg, and Devin (Alexa Head) Holthaus; Great-grandchildren Alice, Colton, Olivia, Eva, Aiden, Alden, Hadley, Blythe, Graham, Kali, Paisley, Danica, Derek, Haley, Anelise, Braylee, and Brooks; and her sisters, Marian Nobles of Bloomfield, NM, Arlene Brazier of Cedar Rapids, IA, Doretta Frana of Madison, WI, and Susan Durham of Calmar, IA. 

Preceding her in death was her husband of 40 years, Eddie Whalen; parents, James R. and Adella (Shindelar) Frana; brothers, Wesley Frana and Alvin Frana; sisters, Lorraine Lockhart, Joanne Frana, Madonna Haddy; brothers-in-law: Bill Nobles, Bob Haddy, Jack Brazier, Tom Lockhart, and John Durham; daughter-in-law, Joan Whalen; grandson, Mark Whalen; and great-grandson, Bryson Holthaus.

Funeral Mass for Leona will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 3 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 2 at the church followed by the visitation from 4-7 p.m. and will continue from 10-11 a.m. on Friday.  

Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com

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