Erna G. Whalen, 89, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018.

She was born on June 4, 1929, in Austin, Minnesota, the daughter of Robert and Clara (Paul) Utzke.  She graduated from Adams School in Adams, Minnesota, with the Class of 1949. Erna married Al R. Whalen on March 20, 1950. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He predeceased her on May 17, 2005. She worked for Judd Plumbing, Amerock Corp. and White Swan School. Erna was a member of First Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Gloria (George) Knox of Shirland, Illinois, Sonia (Mark) Miller of Rockford, Pam Whalen of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Joan (Chuck) Krueger of Freeport, Illinois; sons, Steven (Kelani) Whalen of Lake Forest, California, and Roger (Kimberley) Whalen of Tempe, Arizona; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Utzke.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at First Baptist Church, 5304 Charles St., Rockford, IL, with the Rev. David Huffstutler officiating. Visitation will be from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Entombment will be in Sunset Mausoleum in Machesney Park, Illinois.  To share a memory or send an online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.