Jack R. Whaley

On December 25, 2019, Jack Robert Whaley left his earthly family and went to his eternal home with his Heavenly Father. 

Jack was born August 12, 1938, in Bloomington, Indiana – the third of ten children, to Walter and Hazel (Pardue) Whaley.  He was raised in a home with love, laughter, a strong work ethic and the encouragement for education.  In 1956, he graduated from Martinsville High School, having played basketball and run track there.  He, then, went to Monterey Peninsula College in California for two years on a basketball scholarship.  Missing his family back home, he returned to Indiana and graduated from Indiana University. Summers were spent working with his brothers for their father on iron construction.

In May 1961, he married his sweetheart of several years, Gerry Novak. Having graduated with a BS in Education, both he and Gerry taught in the Indianapolis area while working on their masters degrees.  After receiving his MS in Educational Administration, he became Dean of Boys at Meridian Middle School.  During the remainder of their stay in Indianapolis, Jack and Gerry were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Lisa and Kristin. 

In 1974, the family moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Jack became the assistant principal at Parkview Middle School in Ashwaubenon.  Jack enjoyed fellowship with new friends, playing slow-pitch ball with fellow staff for many years and honing his skills on the golf course and at the card table.  Attending his daughters’ school activities was a highlight, as well as family trips.

Jack moved on as the Director of Personnel and Curriculum for the Ashwaubenon School District.  Missing the interaction with students, he later became the Principal at Gibralter High School in Door County.  He truly loved his work, remaining there until his retirement in 1998.  In retirement, he did some substitute teaching for GED classes and later concentrated on family and church activities, yardwork and gardening, golfing and spending time with friends.  He and Gerry were blessed to have 58 wonderful years of marriage.  For their 50th anniversary, their children took them on a trip to California.  One highlight was a stop at Monterey Peninsula College, where they saw a trophy basketball with Jack’s signature still on display. 

Twenty years of retirement winters were spent in Gulf Shores, Alabama where family and friends visited often.  The memories on the beach are cherished by all.

Jack is survived by his wife Gerry, daughters Lisa (Jay) Blind of Shorewood, WI, Kristin (Bryan) Yeager of Fitchburg, WI, granddaughters Lilian Blind (fiancee Elliott Kucharczyk), Emma Yeager; brothers William (Karen) Whaley, Joseph (Ann) Whaley, sisters Ava (Joe) Branham, Teresa (Don) Becom, Nanette (Bob) Burton, brother-in-law Michael Steckler, and many nieces and nephews.  Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Hazel, and siblings Delores, Donald, Patricia and Judith.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 4:30PM until 6:30PM on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 991 Pilgrim Way, Ashwaubenon.  The visitation will continue on Saturday January 11, 2020 from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at Pilgrim Congregational Church.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday January 11, 2020 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 991 Pilgrim Way, Ashwaubenon.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bellin Hospital, Woodside Lutheran Home and Unity Hospice as well as many wonderful friends, neighbors and family who have shown us so much love and support. God bless you all for being angels in our lives. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Pilgrim Congregational Church (family ministry) or Woodside Lutheran Home (nursing education fund).

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