George E. Wallner, 86 of State College, died Dec 12, 2011 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center. He was born October 22, 1925 in Arad, Romania (formally a part of Hungary) to the late Anna Wallner (nee Kovacs) and George Wallner Sr. He married Eva Szilagyi on August 20, 1955 who preceded him in death November 17, 2010. George was a regular attender of Our Lady of Victory Church in State College. He is survived by his two children, Eva Wallner-Pendleton and her husband Ken of State College and Ann Altman and her husband Lester of Hendersonville, TN. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Holly and George William Pendleton of State College and Bianca and Alex Altman of Hendersonville, TN. George completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in Budapest, Hungary. In 1956, along with thousands of Hungarian freedom fighters, he participated in the attempt to over throw the Soviet-led Communist regime. When the uprising was defeated, fearing for his life, he escaped Hungary along with an estimated 200,000 Hungarians, taking with him a young wife and infant daughter to Austria. They lived for a time in an Austrian refugee camp, and then were granted political asylum in the United States. The family arrived by military ship to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey under “Operation Mercy” and eventually settled in Rutherford, NJ where George owned and practiced veterinary medicine at the Animal Clinic of Rutherford until retirement. While very grateful to the US for giving him the opportunity to live in freedom and pursue his profession, he never forgot his Hungarian heritage, language and culture. His family will also remember, despite numerous health challenges, his determined, independent spirit that never gave up hope. As per his request, no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Centre County Paws in his name. Online condolences may be sent to: www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com
