Margaret J. Whalen

Margaret J. Whalen age 97 of New Hampton died Friday, February 20, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Rev. Dan Christiansen presiding.  Interment will take place at a later date.

Friends may greet the family an hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton have been entrusted with Margaret’s arrangements.

641-394-4334.

Margaret was born on April 21, 1928, in rural Chickasaw County, Iowa, the daughter of Jacob and Margit (Sanderson) Jerdee. When Margaret was just two weeks old, her mother passed away. During her younger years she was lovingly cared for by her grandparents and her aunt and uncle, who helped raise her.

Margaret attended the Five Corners one-room schoolhouse and later graduated from Cresco High School with the class of 1946. Through a mutual friend, Margaret met the love of her life, Donald Whalen, at a dance. The two were united in marriage on September 11, 1948. Together they made their home in New Hampton, Iowa, where they built a life and raised their three children: Donis, Mike, and Shelley.

Margaret worked several different jobs throughout the New Hampton area, all of which involved working with people. She truly enjoyed being around others and had a natural gift for caring for them. One of her favorite jobs was working at the nursing home in town, where she loved interacting with the residents and helping them in their daily lives.  Margaret was a very active member at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton.  Teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and using her many talents to help the congregation in any way that she could were very important to her.

Margaret had a nurturing spirit that showed in many parts of her life. She was a tremendous animal lover and had a special place in her heart for all animals. She also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in her flowers and plants. Spending time together was very important to Margaret, and she deeply cherished the moments she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

Margaret will be remembered for her kind heart, her caring nature, and the love she shared with those around her. Her life was one of quiet devotion to family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched along the way.

Margaret is survived by her son, Michael (Susan) Whalen of East Bethel, MN; one daughter Shelley (Steve) McShane of New Hampton; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 2006; one daughter, Donis in 2013; one granddaughter, April Whalen; two brothers, James (Arlene) Jerdee, Arthur (Margaret) Jerdee.