THE AUTHOR

For as many “hello’s” we experience in life, so also will – and must also – say “goodbye” to an incredible number of people, friends, loved ones, places and “things” we have known and cherished for a long – and sometimes – all too short length of time.

Pastor Illausky hopes that by sharing the stories in this book, he will “engage the minds and stir the souls of those who read them” and be reassured that “The One” who will welcome us all into His nearer presence with a smile and open arms after we have said our final earthly goodbyes. Pastor Illausky is well-acquainted with saying “hello” and “goodbye” many times in life which inspired him to write this book.

Raised in Bristol, Connecticut, Pastor Illausky: completed undergraduate studies; was a computer consultant for 18 years; earned a Master’s of Divinity degree from Andover-Newton Theological Seminary; completed additional study at Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary; as ordained as a Lutheran pastor in 1996; and served Lutheran congregations in New England and Texas prior to retiring in 2021.

Pastor Illausky and Susan (his wife of 52 years) reside in Anna, Texas and are the proud parents of their married daughter, her husband and their two teenage children.