Donald Gene Pals

Don was born October 17, 1946 in Sibley, Iowa, the son of Vernon C. and Nellie R. (Timmerman) Pals. The family moved to a farm near Fulda, MN, when he was still young. He graduated from Fulda High School in 1964.
He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force and Reserve from 1966 to 1972 as an Imagery Interpreter Specialist, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was honorably discharged.

Don married Vicki Holinka on February 14, 1976 in Fulda, MN. They had five children. Don spent his career as a draftsman and lumberyard manager, retiring in 2008. The family lived in Milroy, MN for 25 years. In 2016 he and Vicki moved to Bedford, TX to be closer to their grandkids and get out of shoveling snow.

He was an active member of the Milroy American Legion Post #274 and served as Commander for many years. He was also an active member of the Milroy Lions Club. He was most proud of his work with their Project New Hope Minnesota organization, which provides support to veterans and their families after wartime service. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3750 in Milroy and Council #7641 in Bedford, as well as a member of the Fulda VFW.

Don enjoyed being a house husband to Vicki, his children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed reading, gardening, piddling around in the garage, and finding ways to serve his neighbors.

He was an active member of the Church of St. Michael in Milroy, MN, and the Church of St. Michael in Bedford, TX.

Don passed away suddenly of heart failure on Monday, October 24th at Texas Health Methodist HEB Hospital.

Survivors include his wife Vicki of Bedford, TX and five children; Jonathan (Suzanne) Pals of Bedford, Virginia (Charles) Dunton of Lakewood, CO, Elizabeth (Casey) Bratcher of Manhattan, KS, Daniel Pals of Arlington, TX, and Victoria Pals of Bedford. Don was blessed with seven grandchildren; Conrad Pals, Coraline Pals, Ruby Dunton, Charles Enzo Dunton, Charles McIntire (Mac) Bratcher, Rosalee Bratcher, and William Bratcher; siblings: Neila (Bruce) Nelson, Lee (Joselyn) Pals, Phyllis (Ed) Haberman, Alan (Kathy) Pals, Illene (Brian) Kanne, and two sister-in-laws; Nancy Pals and Gayleen Pals.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to St. Michael Church, Bedford, TX or Project New Hope Minnesota, 21008 County Highway 35, Underwood, MN 56586.

A live stream of the service can be seen at St. Michael Catholic Church in Bedford on youtube.