Timothy C. Whelan, age 83, of Dyer, IN passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Tim was born on August 28, 1942, in East Chicago, IN. He is survived by his wife of 8 years, Cathy; his five children, Bridget (Tim) Scheer, Michael (Lori) Whelan, Sean (Cindy) Whelan, Terrence (Renee) Whelan, and Kathleen (Matthew) Heiss; his 12 grandchildren, Greg (Rachel) Scheer, Clara (Michael) Howell, Sarah (Connor) Lowman, John Scheer, Shannon (Kevin) Carbonneau, Megan Whelan, Cori (fiancé James Tran) Whelan, Ryan Whelan, Matthew Whelan, Molly Whelan, Morgan Whelan, and Mary Heiss; and his great-grand children, Carter Lowman, Joselyn Scheer, and Baby Carbonneau. He is also survived by his sisters- in-law, Suzann Graefen, Jean (Jim) Ladd, and Virginia (Ken) Fuehrmeyer; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and his faithful dog, Stormy.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Florence (Dewey) Whelan; his brother, Gregory; his first wife, Mary (Welsby); and his loyal dog, Ginger.

Tim began his working life as a paper boy at Nassau & Thompson and at the A&P Grocery Store. In 1963, he began working at Inland Steel, eventually becoming a temper mill foreman at Number 1 and 2 Cold Strip before later moving to Number 3 Cold Strip. He retired after a 33 – year career in 1996.

He had a love of the outdoors, and Washington Island, WI held a special place in his heart after he was first introduced to it as a child by his best friend and future brother-in-law, Roy Welsby. Tim developed a deep appreciation for the island’s people, traditions, and natural beauty, sharing that love with family and friends through countless trips. Tim was a proud Life Member of the Washington Island Sportsmen’s Club.

Tim was deeply committed to mentoring young people. He served as the leader of Boy Scout Troop 35. He later coached LEGO Robotics and Science Olympiad teams at Wallace and Lafayette Elementary Schools. He assisted Bishop Noll Institute and his children with many different projects.

A proud graduate of Bishop Noll Institute, Class of 1960, Tim’s life was shaped by his Catholic faith and love of country. He was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for more than 60 years, serving as an altar server, member of the Holy Name Society, and president of the parish summer festival. In his later years, Tim became a parishioner of St. Maria Goretti Church. He found great camaraderie through the Friendly Sons of Erin, where he celebrated his Irish roots. He was also an active member of the East Chicago Goodfellows Club. Tim’s spirit of service extended beyond his church and community, as he proudly served as a U.S. Marine Reservist before being honorably discharged in 1965.

Tim’s legacy of faith, hard work, generosity, and devotion to family and friends will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him. His warm smile, integrity, and constant willingness to help others will forever remain in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, from 3:00–7:00 PM at Kish Funeral Home. A blessing service will begin at 6:00 PM. Visitation at church will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 9:00–10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Maria Goretti Church. Interment will immediately follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area or to the Washington Island Sportsmen’s Club.

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