Cletus John Whelan, 92, of Columbia, left this world for his next journey surrounded by family on Oct. 29, 2023. 

A true River Man, Cletus held many jobs throughout his 92 yrs, rising through the ranks to become a leader in the construction industry. He retired as President of Tower Rock Stone, Ste. Genevieve, Mo. and Vice President of Luhr Brothers Construction Company Columbia, IL. Cletus was known for his congenial personality.  He greeted everyone he met with a handshake and a warm smile. He was a proud member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Columbia, Illinois and the Operating Engineers Local 520 for over 60 years. 

Family meant everything to Cletus.  He loved to travel, dance, fish, and play cards with his family and friends. Some of his favorite times were boating with the grandkids and great grandchildren on the Lake of the Ozarks. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. .

He is survived by children Michael (Janice) Whelan, James (Vicki) Whelan, Jan (Bill) Walsh and Gene (Pam) Whelan; grandchildren Shannon (Ted) Haney, Julie (Phil) Klazynski, Carrie (Tony) Egizi, Andy (Cheryl) Whelan, Matt Whelan, Lori Higgins (Bryan), Liz Ramey, Byron (Katie) Walsh, Jared (Sarah) Walsh, Dylan (Sarah) Walsh, Madison Whelan, Savanna (fiance Anthony DeVore) Whelan and Sam Whelan; 20 great-grandchildren; brothers Allen and Gerald; sister, Nancy Kruse; and sisters-in-law Mable Whelan, Dorothy Heizer and Marie Heizer.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Patricia Ann (Heizer); parents Albert and Anna (nee Dieckmann-Jaenke) Whelan; granddaughter Erin K. Whelan; grandson Jack Whelan; siblings Arnold, Eileen Kelley Jr., Leroy, and Mildred (Dehne); brothers-in-laws Walter Kelley Jr., Oliver Dehne and Roger Kruse; and sisters-in-laws Freeda and Rosalie. 

Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 3, from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9-10 a.m. at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia.

A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. Nov. 4 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia, Msgr. Carl Scherrer officiating. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Columbia.

Memorials can be sent to the Immaculate Conception Church Fund or Gibault Catholic High School.