Clarence James Whelan

Life-long proud Duluthian, Clarence James Whelan, 92, passed away February 28th, 2026. He spent his final days surrounded by his loving family sharing stories, food, shenanigans and songs. 

Clarence attended Central High School, worked on the railroad and later became an electrician like his father. While working in Silver Bay, he met and later married his wife Jean (Cook) on his 23rd birthday at St. Michael’s Church. He was drafted into the Army that same year when he “got a letter from his uncle” then served as a stock clerk. 

In 1968, Clarence and Jean built their family home on the Northshore of Lake Superior where they raised their 4 children. The home became a gathering place filled with laughter, stories, and generations of memories. He looked forward to and hosted a water station and ladder shower for Grandma’s marathon runners for 47 years. Also at home, he raised chickens, grew vegetables, apple trees, raspberries and blueberries and could be seen laying on his sleeping bag while weeding. He spent time in the garage working on vehicles or projects, being able to fix anything, only stopping for meals. Inside his home, he loved looking out onto the lake and identifying ore boats and calculating their knot speed or playing cards with many lifelong friends.

In 1980, Clarence was elected and worked as the Business Agent for Local 242 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Clarence led by example, was reliable, levelheaded, honest, fair and unbiased while negotiating and defending the rights of workers. But his service towards others didn’t end with his career; he continued to live out his values and generosity in everyday ways, helping stranded strangers on the side of the road or on the lake, often inviting people over for a meal after. In retirement, he volunteered for the St. Michael’s Used a Bit and devoted his time and talent for over a decade rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. 

Clarence had a lifelong love for adventure and knowledge, which was instilled in his children through fishing, camping, travel and the outdoors. He treasured his time along Lester River, the “40”, the Sawbill Trail, the Schroeder trailer, Alaska, and on Lake Superior and Isle Royale on his boat “China Wall”. 

Clarence was humble and curious by nature. His favorite questions were, “What is your name?” or “Where do you live?” drawing a connection to places and people often with an atlas or dictionary by his side. He liked smoking fish, eating pickled herring, watching stock care races, BBQing, teaching his kids how to drive stick shift, playing baseball in the front yard, giving lawn mower rides, showing all the lights he wired around town or teaching a bowline knot. He was sure to teach all his grandkids the lyrics to “A Boy and Girl” and could be heard singing “Hey, hey good looking” until his final days. 

Above all, he loved and was devoted to his wife of 67 years, Jean. Their love was seen in shared adventures, hobbies, nightly ice cream, holding hands and always kissing goodbye. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, curiosity, kindness and unwavering principle – a life lived thoughtfully and with purpose. 

He was preceded in death by the love of his life wife Jean, beloved son Joe; his parents, and brother Bill. He will be deeply missed by his children Kathy (Michael) O’Rourke, Jim Whelan, Patty (Steve Preckel) Whelan, all of Duluth, grandchildren Kevin, Ryan, David, Nicole, Josie, Monique, David, Ellen, Adam, Ross and great-grandchildren Athena, Arren, Ruby, Clara, Brighton, Lila, Rowan, Kyla, Violet, Jack, Lola, Avril, Zane, Lennon, Sunny, Willa and brother John (Jacqueline) Whelan.

Visitation on Mon, March 9th from 5-7 p.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 4901 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55804, and continues Tues., March 10thth at 9:30. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Honor Guard and Luncheon to follow. Interment at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the IBEW Local 242 Apprentice Fund to support future electricians. 

A live-stream of the Funeral Mass will be available on the Dougherty Funeral Home's facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dfhduluth/