Robert Whaley

He was born on May 30, 1934, in Florence, to the late Howard and Chrystal (Jensen) Whaley. Chrystal later married Frances LaChapelle. Bob grew up in Florence and graduated from Florence High School in 1952. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Naval Airforce, serving in the Korean War.

Following his honorable discharge, Bob worked various jobs and went to school for insurance in Maryland. After graduating, he worked for his mother at LaChapelle Insurance. In his later years, he purchased the business from his mother, and she worked for him. In 1991, Bob’s son, Bret, purchased the business. Bob also drove a school bus from 1959 until his retirement in 2014.

Bob married Penny Madden in 1961, and they had two children, Dane (Patricia) Whaley and Shannon Whaley. Then, in 1974, he married Kaye Stewart, and together they had two children, Bret (Alexis) Whaley and Lance (Lindsay) Whaley.

Bob enjoyed hunting, boating, and going to Green Bay Packer games. In his later years, he took up woodworking and worked on a number of furniture projects. He also made birdhouses that he would sell. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kaye Whaley; his children, Dane (Patricia) Whaley, Shannon Whaley, Brett (Alexis) Whaley, and Lance (Lindsay) Whaley; his brother, Howard (Lorraine) Whaley; nine grandchildren, Luke Wolf, Luciana Whaley, Kaelin Whaley, Mason Whaley, Parker Whaley, Reece Whaley, Brynlee Whaley, Tony Joshua, and Michael Joshua; two great-grandchildren, Michael Joshua Jr. and Mason Joshua; and by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and stepfather, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Sherman.

Visitation will be on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Redemption Hill in Kingsford with a memorial service following at 11:30 a.m.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Robert’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Florence to honor Robert’s legacy of life.