Caledonia Argus

Posted: 2/14/03

Victor Palen

Victor J. Palen, 93, of Caledonia, died after a fall on Thursday, February 13, 2003, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center, La Crosse, WI. He was born November 25, 1909 in Caledonia to Frank and Florence (Nicks) Palen. Victor graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee and then joined the family photography business, Palen Studios, in Caledonia. He served in the 6th Photo Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.

Victor married Elsie Mae Wisland on November 25, 1943 at St. Peterís Catholic Church, Caledonia. After serving in the Air Corps he returned to the photography studio in Caledonia and worked until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of St. Maryís Parish and its parish choir for many years. He was also a member of Loveless Eikens American Legion Post 191.

Victor enjoyed hunting, the outdoors and gardening.

He is survived by his wife of Caledonia; five children: John Palen, Caledonia, Victoria Palen, Milladore, WI, Geraldine (Peter Thompson) Schultz, Glendale, CA, David Palen, Elroy, WI, and Frances Palen, Geneva, Switzerland; 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Clarence Palen, Midvale, UT, and Cyril (Inez) Palen, Milwaukee; and a sister, Beatrice Palen, Milwaukee.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kristin McFadden, two sisters, Marcella and Delores and a brother, Julius.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, February 21 at St. Maryís Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Donald J. Schmitz will officiate and burial with military rites will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, February 20, at McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Friday morning at the church.

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