Daniel Charles Whalen, 79, of Bancroft passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the Caribou Memorial Living Center.

He was born to Martin Gerald and Frances Ruth Snell Whalen on June 16, 1938 in Buffalo, New York. His mother, Frances died, leaving his father with a two month old baby girl and two small boys. The extended family took Beverly, Dan's sister. Dan's father took Dan and his brother Gerald to an orphanage, then he joined the Merchant Marines.

Dan's growing up years, in foster homes and orphanages were filled with difficulties and challenges. He tells of experiences of mistreatment of his brother and him in these institutional settings. These two boys developed a bond of friendship with each other. Dan and his brother joined the Air Force and spent most of his enlisted 4 years in Alaska.

He married Ruth Ann Moss, but was later divorced. Several years later he married the love of his life Doris Grimn, She preceded him in death.

Dan came to Bancroft in 1988. He lived in the Moser Canyon House and worked for David Modersitzki on the ranch. He was the "mender of the fences" and the "keeper of the gate" to Moser Canyon. He was also a proud member of the Bancroft Fire Department. These volunteer firemen were his dearest friends. He enjoyed serving in the community. He was kind, compassionate and helpful to so many of the elderly. David and Karen appreciated his kindness to David's parents. Lisa Yost's small children called him "Dan, Dan the Music Man" because he was always so happy and attentive to them.

Later in his life, when his health was failing, so many of his friends and neighbors came to his aid and cared for him. Stan and Kathleen Wistisen and Pam Barfuss were especially considerate and attentive to Dan. He was so appreciative of everyone's kindness. In his words, "I have never lived in a place that people were so kind and generous to me. Bancroft in my home."

Dan is survived by his three children, John Whalen, JoAnn (Gregory) Mansell and Terry L. (Robert) Stahley, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nita Weber and the nursing staff at Caribou Memorial Hospital and Living Center for their compassionate care of Dan through these last few months.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 31 at Noon at the Bancroft Cemetery.