Clarine Thelma "Peewee" Whalen, 73, of Devils Lake, ND formerly of Leeds, ND passed away Thursday, September 24, 2015 at the Heartland Care Center in Devils Lake, ND with all of her six children by her side. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, September 28, 2015 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds, ND with Pastor Bonnie Weaver officiating. Visitation will take place Sunday, September 27, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds, ND with a 7:00 PM prayer service. Visitation will continue an hour before the funeral service on Monday. Casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Kelland Bjerke, Jarin Bjerke, Cody Belle, Nolan Belle, Derek Belle, Cameron Leibfried, Andrew Whalen, Wyatt Silliman, Ethan Silliman and Garrett Silliman. Honorary casket bearers will be grandchildren: Jordan Bjerke, Ashli Whalen, Kendra Leibfried, Kaylee Whalen and Oliver Whalen. Music will be provided by Catherine Anfinson. Burial will be held at the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery.

Clarine Thelma Halvorson was born April 22, 1942 in Leeds, ND to Theodore "Ted" and Clara (Olson) Halvorson. After graduating High School in Leeds, ND, Clarine married Gordon Bjerke. They lived in Devils Lake, ND, Penn, ND and then made their home in Churches Ferry, ND and raised their three children: Jeff, Cheryl and Carol. Gordon passed away in a car accident in January of 1968.

Clarine married James Whalen in September 19, 1969. Three children were born from this union: Susie, Robert "Bobby Jim" and Dennis "Stinky". Clarine owned and operated the C & J Grocery Store for many years, and then worked at convenient stores in Cando, ND and then in Devils Lake, ND before her retirement. She enjoyed being a mother, spending time entertaining her family and friends, cooking, baking and the Sunday card games. In her later years, Clarine enjoyed playing BINGO, casino trips and crocheting afghans and doilies, which she loved to give away to her family and friends.

Clarine is survived by her children: Jeff Bjerke, Cheryl (Melvin) Belle, Carol (Albert) Leibfried, Susie (Tim) Silliman, Robert Whalen and Dennis (Jada) Whalen; 15 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; a sister Sharleen Axness and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Gordon and James; a brother Sheridan Halvorson; a grandson, Colton Silliman and a great granddaughter Brynlee Ann Belle.