IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Galen And

Galen And Carolyn Whiley Profile Photo

Carolyn Whiley

July 31, 2019

Obituary

Carolyn (Pendgraft) Whiley of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, formerly from Griswold, died on July 31, 2019 at the age of 75. She was born on July 6, 1944 to Carroll and Marie (Peterson) Pendgraft in Red Oak, Iowa.

Carolyn attended Red Oak High School until her sophomore year and graduated from Griswold High School. She was a class officer in both high schools. Carolyn met Galen Whiley in school and they were married in 1964, and they were inseparable until Galen's death in 2015.

She enjoyed keeping in touch with old school friends, as well as newer friends she met along the way in the collectibles business that she and Galen started and owned for many years.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents and a brother Steven Pendgraft.

Carolyn is survived by a brother, Doug.

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Galen B. Whiley of St. Louis Park, MN passed away November 29, 2015 at age 71.  Born March 30, 1944 to Donald and Belva Whiley and grew up on the family farm West of Griswold.  He graduated from GHS in 1962 and married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Pendgraft, in 1964.

He moved to Lincoln in 1963 where he began his banking career in data processing.  He was a member of the Lincoln Jaycees and chaired a few projects.  Lured by First Computer Corporation, he moved to St. Paul in 1969.  Galen was a self-taught computer analyst and worked as a computer consultant for companies like General Mills, Con Agra, United Health, Cargill, etc.  He was an active member of ASM and was a Certified Systems Professional.  He retired after 27 years with the Federal Reserve Bank doing computer trouble shooting in various positions.

Galen served in the Nebraska and Minnesota Air National Guard for 7 years with rank of SSG and was a proud member of the American Legion.

Galen and Carolyn moved into their current St. Louis Park home in 1971 and he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1972.  The two of them, along with another couple, started the first MS Patient Support Group, which was later used as the model program by the National MS Society.  Pancreatic cancer was diagnosed April of 2015.

They enjoyed traveling the U.S. and spent week-ends for 25+ years selling at antique/collectible shows.  Galen especially enjoyed meeting people and making new friends throughout those years.  He also enjoyed helping his brother with harvest for about 10 seasons.  Members of Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Belva Whiley.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carolyn; brother & sister-in-law Larry & Shirley Whiley of Griswold; brother-in-law Doug Pendgraft of Okoboji; nephew & wife Terry & Kim Whiley; nieces & husbands: Elaine & Jake Pelzer & Sherry & Bob Smiley.

Galen and Carolyn (Pendgraft) Whiley graveside service will be Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 2:00 PM at

the St. John's Cemetery. Time with the family will be at the St. John's United Church of Christ

immediately after the burial.

Rieken Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the families.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Galen And Carolyn Whiley, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Graveside Service

August
29

St. John's United Church of Christ

62988 Upland Rd, Griswold, IA 51535

Starts at 2:00 pm

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