It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Phyllis Anita Whelan of Alderley, WI — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What remains is memory — and the gratitude of those she loved.
A parent's life is measured, in part, by the lives she shaped.
Phyllis Anita Whelan, age 87, of Alderley, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Dimensions Assisted Living in Oconomowoc.
Phyllis was born on February 8, 1939, to Andrew and Anita (Wester) Geszvain, in Waukesha Wisconsin. She was raised on a farm in Erin, Wisconsin and graduated from Hartford High School with the Class of 1957.
Phyllis was blessed with five children from her first marriage to Richard Hess. Later, she met and married Geno Whelan. Together, they owned and operated Whelan's Tipperary Tap in Alderley, where she perfected making the best Bloody Mary around. After Geno's passing, Phyllis continued running the establishment for another fourteen years, a testament to her strength and dedication.
There was much singing and laughter. We played "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune". She would put many debates to rest by calling the local library for verification. She would have a "Word of the Day", and she would say, "Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls!"
Phyllis had a smile that could light up any room and had a way of making everyone feel special. She was a "mother" to many and will be remembered for her unwavering optimism and caring nature. She had a deep love for the outdoors, especially gardening, and instilled in her children the importance of cherishing the land and never using the word "hate."
A devoted member of her community, Phyllis organized fundraisers, worked the polls, became a Girl Scout leader, was the founder of the Alderley Garden Club, and proudly played a key role in keeping the Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade alive. She contributed largely to all the award winning floats. She enjoyed Brewer's bus trips, playing softball and dartball.
Phyllis was famous for baking thousands of delicious chocolate chip cookies. She treasured time spent reading to her grandchildren, offering warm cookies, warm hugs, and sharing her boundless love.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Dan (Sheri Ehrlich) Hess, Lynne (Deb) Deppeler Hess, Becky (Brent) Christenson, and Andrea (John) Roth; grandchildren, Jason Christenson, Troy (Allison) Christenson, Trevor (Megan) Hess, Tyler (Amy) Hess, Max Roth, Rachel Roth, Alaina Roth, and Tajenay Deppeler; great-grandchildren; Raylan, Charlotte, Quinn, Cecily, and Rhett.
She is further survived by her brother, Dave (Jean) Geszvain, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Anita; husband, Geno Whelan; and her son, David Hess.
A funeral service for Phyllis will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Shimon Funeral Home (824 Union St., Hartford, WI 53027). Family and friends may gather from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:30 p.m., with Chaplain Paul Humphreys officiating. Interment will take place at a later date.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Dimensions Assisted Living in Oconomowoc and Brighton Hospice for their compassionate care. With special thanks to Nikki, Natalie, Mary, Chaplain Paul and Chaplain Brent.
Donations in Phyllis' name may be made out to your local library or to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
