George A. Pallesen, 86

George A. Pallesen, 86, a retired Lutheran minister, died following a brief illness on Jan. 23, 2001, at a nursing home near his home in Lake Worth, Fla.

The Rev. Pallesen was born on March 25, 1914, in Chicago, Ill., to Danish immigrants. His father died when he was seven years old.

After graduating from public schools in Racine, Wis., he attended the University of Wisconsin and Dana College in Blair, from which he received his bachelor’s degree.

He further studied religion at Maywood Seminar in Maywood, Ill., and at Trinity Seminar in Blair.

He was ordained into the ministry on June 15, 1941.

Rev. Pallesen served congregations for 38 years, beginning in the northern Iowa farming communities of Humboldt, Rutland, Dolliver and Ringsted.

He returned to Blair in 1959 to serve more than 10 years as senior pastor at First Lutheran Church. He completed his ministry in the Texas cities of Bridge City and Kingsville, before retiring to Lake Worth in 1979.

Survivors include Irene, his wife of 54 years, stepbrother, Tom Ruback of Pioneertown, Calif., son, Tim of West Palm Beach, Fla, and a grandson, Adam.

Private graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach Memorial Park Funeral Home in Lantana was in charge of arrangements.