William Claire Talen (Sr.) age 98, longtime resident of Delray Beach, died on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at his home in Harbour's Edge, of pneumonia. A lifelong independent banker, an avid flyer, and a proud veteran of World War Two, he was an irrepressible optimist who hoped to make it to 100, and very nearly did.

He was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach for more than three decades.  He often attended the Rotary Club of Delray Beach, and enjoyed his membership in the Delray Beach Club for many years.

His honors include the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2006, given by the FAA for fifty years of flying with a perfect safety record.

He is survived by his five children from his first marriage to the late June Sieswerda Talen:  William (Savitri) Talen, Deborah Talen, Julie Talen, Ruth (Paul) Erickson, and Mary June Talen (Joe Hawbaker) and ten grandchildren. He is survived also by a stepson, step-grandchildren and step gr-at-grandchilldren, from his second marriage to the late Caroline Lassiter Talen.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM, on Friday, May 5, 2023, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 500 W. Third Street, Northfield, MN 55057.

The service will be livestreamed at https://stjohnsnorthfield.org

Visitation will begin at 1:00PM and a reception will follow.  Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, Florida https://firstdelray.com/give

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, Florida https://firstdelray.com/give

or to the Rotary Foundation Scholarships:  https://www.rotary.org/en/donate