Mae L. Whelan

Mae Whelan, 88, passed away January 7, 2025 at the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton, ND.

Mae Lorraine Severson was born March 12, 1936 near Lathrop, Michigan, the daughter of Joseph and Miriam (Sivula) Severson. Her family moved to Crystal, North Dakota, where she graduated from high school in 1954.

Mae was united in marriage to George Whelan on October 23, 1955 in St. Charles, Minnesota. Mae and George were married for over 66 years. They made their home on the family farm near Crystal where she was an integral part of the farming operation, assuming many roles.

Mae was a devoted homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a member of the Crystal Friendly Homemakers and the St. Thomas Culture and Hobby Guild. She was involved in the Women’s North Dakota Farm Bureau, where she made many friends.

Mae enjoyed gardening, golfing and fishing with George at the Lake of the Woods and Devils Lake. She enjoyed sewing and was quite an accomplished seamstress.

Mae and George spent over 25 winters in Arizona where they made many lifelong friends.

Mae is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Greta) Whelan, and Douglas (Barbara) Whelan, both of Crystal. Granddaughters, Kate (Derrick) Suda, Grafton, and Grace Whelan, Fargo. Great grandchildren, Nadia Whelan Sjursen, Cole Suda and Calvin Suda. Sister, Betty (Bud) Tryan, Escanaba, Michigan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Cleone Whelan, Crystal and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mae was preceded in death by her husband, George, her beloved granddaughter, Anna Whelan Sjursen, and siblings Lone Severson and Rose (Kenneth) Boyum.