John Edgar Whooley

Dr. John E. (Jack) Whooley died on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Jack was born in 1928 to Alice and James Whooley in Billings, MT, where he spent his pre-collegiate years with his parents and deceased brother, Jim.

Jack was blessed with two wonderful wives and a great family. His first wife (Mary Catherine Koenig) was mother of four children. Mary was a middle school mathematics teacher. Married in 1956, she died in 1964.

His surviving wife, Clara Mae Hall, was a middle and elementary school teacher. In 1969, she assumed motherhood responsibilities for Mary's children. She and Jack were blessed with four more children. Clara is a very special, talented person, devoted mother to all eight of her children, and Jack's wonderful wife and life partner during their 56 years of marriage.

Jack enjoyed his calling: thirty-nine years as an educator in Montana, Washington, and Wisconsin. The final twenty-three years were spent as a faculty member and administrator at UWEC. He retired as Associate Dean Emeritus, School of Education.

Jack regarded coming to Eau Claire as a rewarding decision: fine university, good citizenry, and choice family community. He was very supportive of and involved in St. Olaf parish and the Regis school system. Proud that his eight children are Regis and University of Wisconsin graduates, well-prepared for their callings.

Jack is survived by wife, Clara; children: Mary Whooley, Kathy Bullis, Dave (Sue) Whooley, Doug (Lynette) Whooley, Colleen (Bret) Jepson, John (Shelly) Whooley, Mike (Joelle) Whooley and Kelly (Luke) Stoneberg. Jack and Clara were blessed with fourteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Heartland Hospice and Oakwood Health Services for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided.

"Eternal life would be like plunging into the ocean of infinite love,

A moment in which time-the before and the after-no longer exists."

Pope Benedict XVI

Jack's funeral will be celebrated at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe Street, Eau Claire at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at St. Olaf. A celebration of life will occur immediately after the Mass. Burial to follow the celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions would be welcomed at St. Olaf Catholic Church, Regis School system, or a charity of choice.