Date of Birth:
Saturday, April 18, 1936
Date of Death:
Monday, May 20, 2013
Age:
77 years old

George R. Ingalls

George R. Ingalls, age 77, of Rochester, passed away Monday, May 20,2013 at St. Marys Hospital with family at his side.

George was born April 18, 1936 in Rochester, MN to Gladys Ingalls and George Eiden.  His mother passed away when George was one-month old.  He was then raised by his grandparents Catherine and Andrew Ingalls.  George is a descendent of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Over the years he was able to visit several of the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites.  Courtesy of Merle “Pete” Peterson, George became a lifelong member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum in Walnut Grove, MN.

George was raised in the Pleasant Grove/Predmore area.  He attended the rural Struckman School and graduated from Chatfield High School in 1954.  He joined the Army on January 9, 1955 and completed the basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO and then went to advanced anti-aircraft training in Fort Bliss, TX.  He arrived in Korea on January 1, 1956.  George often spoke of hitchhiking home during his leaves.  In those days people would not pass a soldier in uniform so he never had a problem hitching a ride. He was honorably discharged from the 24^th Infantry.  He was a proud member of the Rochester Korean War Club, served on the Executive Committee, and participated in many of the parades, and other club events.

George married Virginia “Ginger” Delaney on May 3, 1958.  They had three children.  They were later divorced.  On May 17, 1997 George and Elaine Sweeney were married.  George and Elaine operated the Olde Hatchery Flea Market off Marion Road.  Elaine is employed by Hiawatha Homes.

In 1958 George started working at Rochester Dairy.  He also sold real estate for Jensen Realty.  Over the years he worked for Stauffer Chemical, Claremont Creamery, and St. Peter Creamery.  He also worked in construction for Rochester Sand and Gravel as well as Dave Boutelle and Sons Concrete.  He drove over the road semi for a number of years and also owned and operated his own semi.  He retired from Qwest International in 1998.

George was an avid collector of older Ford Mustangs and was one of the original founding members of the Southeastern MN Ford Club and also served a term as the club’s President.   After retirement, George enjoyed helping his son Mike with his house moving business.  He enjoyed traveling around the US and abroad.  One of the highlights of his life was being able to connect/meet his half sister Carol (Eiden) Masters three years ago.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine, his daughters Brenda Ingalls Hanson (Rod), Donna Whiting, son Mike Ingalls, step-son Brian Sweeney, sisters Viola Felt of Eyota and Carol (Gary) Masters of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  George is survived by 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, many family members, as well as his step-daughter Michelle Sweeney, grandson Matthew Hanson and loyal Schnauzer Riley.

A funeral service for George will be held on Friday, May 24^th at 10am at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Thursday, May 23^rd from 4pm – 8pm at the River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Rochester Korean War Club, Hiawatha Homes or Paws and Claws.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com