Kevin Whaley

Kevin Keith Whaley passed away in his home in Lafayette, Louisiana on October 24, 2014. Funeral Service for Kevin Whaley, age 63, of Lafayette, Louisiana will be held Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Covenant Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Pastor Tim Shekleton officiating. Organist will be Cheryl Shekleton with special Music provided by Marcy LeClair. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton, at a later date. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church on Saturday morning. A lunch and time of sharing will be held following the funeral service at the Wheaton American Legion. Kevin was born at St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, MN on August 17, 1951. He had a wonderful childhood growing up in Wheaton, Minnesota where he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dad, playing hockey in the winter with his friends, riding horses in the summer and playing with the neighborhood kids. Kev learned his strong work ethic at a young age by working with his Dad. He also raked leaves in the neighborhood and mowed the church yard. At age 15 he started drilling wells with his Dad, eventually repairing wells and running the backhoe. Kev always pushed himself to do his best in everything he tried and his Dad gave him many opportunities to explore. He became an avid horseback rider and showman. He, along with his friends and brothers, developed Indian Hills Moto -Cross racing track just outside of Wheaton. He was an enthusiastic dirt bike rider and loved the competition. He enjoyed spending time at Lake Traverse water skiing, swimming and just hanging out with cousins and friends. Kev graduated from Wheaton High School with the great class of '69! He felt a strong connection with all of his classmates and each one was important to him. This past August Kev celebrated his 45th Class Reunion with his lifelong friends. After Kev graduated from high school, he continued to work for his Dad's company, Whaley Well Drilling until he left for Columbus, Ohio to study art at the Columbus College of Art and Design. He returned to Minnesota and began his career as a graphic artist in St. Paul. He and his wife at the time, Mary GrandPre', created a successful advertising agency, GrandPre' and Whaley which eventually became Whaley Design. Kev did design work for major companies in the Twin Cities and throughout the country. Zydeco music and dance became Kev's passion which started with his friend Dave and the exceptional dance community in Mpls/ St Paul. Kev belonged to the Cajun Zydeco Dance Association, Krewe de Walley. The group traveled to numerous Cajun festivals in Louisiana. After his many trips to Louisiana, Kev's dancing feet found their true home. He fell in love with the Cajun culture and moved to Lafayette. Kev was a kind, caring, compassionate man and a friend to all. As one of his Louisiana dance partners expressed, "A bright light on the planet has been extinguished" yet his bright spirit will shine brightly in our hearts forever. The Whaley family wants to extend a sincere heartfelt thank-you to all of Kev's friends who enriched his life and brought him so much joy, whether you shared the dance floor with him or not! Kevin is survived by his father Donald Whaley of Wheaton; sister Roslyn Riley of Eugene, Oregon, and her children Julia and Vanessa; brothers: Mitch Whaley of Wheaton, and his daughters Megan and Michelle; and Kent (Karen) Whaley of Wheaton, and their children Trista Whaley (Jeremiah Froemke), Jarvis (Jamee) Whaley, and Tyler (Suzanne) Whaley; great-nieces and great-nephews: Halle, Gabrielle, Bianca, Samantha, Ellie, Brenden, and Tristan; special friend Sabrina Spears of Louisiana; an uncle Duane "Wayne" (Irene) Whaley of Wheaton, aunt Evie Kurth of Alexandria, Minnesota and numerous cousins. Kevin was preceded in death by his mother Joan Whaley.
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Visitation

Bethlehem Covenant Church

• Saturday, November 01, 2014
• 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Email Details
• 505 8th Street North
  Wheaton, MN 56296

Directions

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Funeral Service

Bethlehem Covenant Church

• Saturday, November 01, 2014
• 11:00 AM
• Email Details
• 505 8th Street North
  Wheaton, MN 56296

Directions