1950 – Lowell Gailen Pals – 2017
Lowell Pals was born on April 17, 1950 in Orange City, Iowa to Henry and Delia Wielenga Pals. In 1956 the family moved to a farm near Slayton, Minnesota. Lowell graduated from Slayton High School in 1968. Following high school Lowell worked for Central Telephone Company. On October 15, 1977 he and Kim Cochran were married at the United Methodist Church in Slayton. Following their marriage they made their home in Slayton. Due to his father’s death Lowell left the Telephone Company to run the family farm. In 1984 Lowell went into partnership with his father-in-law, Donald Cochran and his brother-in-law, Kraig Cochran. Don’s Trucking did long distance and local trucking. Lowell also worked for Slayton Concrete delivering cement. Kim passed away on October 2, 2004. Lowell then purchased his own semi truck and did trucking with Kirchner Trucking out of Slayton. In 2010 he sold his truck to John Moline. Lowell then went to work for John hauling grain for local elevators and farmers until his retirement. Due to failing health Lowell moved to Our House Hospice Home in Slayton on Sunday, July 2, 2017 and went to be with his Lord on Monday, July 3, 2017 at the age of 67. He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Slayton and served as deacon. Lowell enjoyed spending time with family and friends, telling jokes, time spent having coffee with his friends at Cenex, watching Nascar races especially ones involving Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Jr., and traveling. Anyone that knew Lowell knows how particular he was about his truck and vehicles and knows that the California Duster was his best friend! Lowell will be remembered for his friendly disposition, his smirk and his love for Kim.
Survivors include his three siblings and their spouses: Gretchen and Ted Swanson, Lakeville, MN, Harley Pals, Little Falls, MN, and Beth and Leroy Kalass, Slayton, MN; brother-in-law Kraig Cochran and his wife Jeanne, Slayton, MN, and many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Kim and parents-in-law Donald and Aldora Cochran.
Funeral services were held at First Reformed Church in Slayton, MN on Monday, July 10, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Aaron Punt officiating. The organist was Joan Friese with special music by Janet Voges and Arnie Guild. The pallbearers were Byron Pals, Kevin Pals, Darin Pals, Taylor Pals, Kyle Cochran and Michael Johnson. The honorary pallbearers were Bruce Freeberg, Dick Peterson, Mike Kirchner, Gus Kohls, Bob Atwood, Billy Voss, John Wagley and John Moline. Interment is at Slayton Memorial Gardens, Slayton, MN. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton was entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
