Joseph A Whelan, 74 entered eternal life Thursday August 7th, 2008 at home. Joe was born April 8th, 1934, in New Jersey. He married Patricia Schumacher of Springfield, Illinois in 1965 in New York City. He is survived by his wife, of Urbana; his daughter, Erica (Kevin) McLaughlin, and granddaughters Molly and Bridget, all of St. Louis Missouri; and his sister, Peggy Whelan of Urbana, Illinois. Joe grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from St. James Academy in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He returned to New York and studied architecture at Columbia University. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the Engineers branch of the United States Army Reserves, and was awarded a medal for marksmanship. Joe and his wife, Pat, moved to Champaign-Urbana in 1966. After a varied career in drafting and environmental design, he worked for the Illinois State Lottery, retiring in 2005. Joe represented Ward 6 on the Urbana City Council 26 years including 5 years as Mayor Pro-Tem. Twice he was a candidate for the Illinois State Legislature. Following his retirement from the city council he published the Urbana Reporter to bring the impartial news to the community. At St. Patrick's parish he served on the first parish council, and as a lector (reader) at mass. He was proud that he encouraged the first woman, a student, to join the council. Joe was well known in Champaign-Urbana because of his lottery employment and political interests. His friendliness and sense of fun will be remembered. The funeral, Mass of the Resurrection, will be celebrated 1:00 p.m. Monday August 11th at St Patrick's Church. Friends may visit at Renner Wikoff Chapel on Sunday August 12th. From 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please offer condolences online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's Church or to a charity of your choice.