Johan Lambert PALS

PALS, JORDAN, COOPER, ODONNELL, LONG, HOGAN, HOFFMANN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/15/2007 at 09:18:04

09/11/2007

Johan L. Pals, 88, Belmond, died September 5, 2007 at the Belmond Health Care Center. Funeral services were held September 8 at the United Methodist Church in Belmond with Pastor Tim Platt from the Clarion Church of Christ officiating. Burial with military rites was at the Immanuel Reformed Cemetery near Belmond.

Johan Lambert, the son of Lambert and Marie Jordan Pals, was born February 8, 1919 in Belmond. He grew up in the Belmond area, attending country school and helping on the farm. The Lambert Pals Century Farm was established in 1875 and is now run by Curtis Pals. Johan joined the U.S. Army on April 25, 1941 and served in the Philippines as an automotive mechanic. He earned the rank of staff sergeant, was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, and was honorably discharged on August 19, 1945.
Upon his return to the United States Johan went to diesel mechanic school in St. Louis. There he met Ann Cooper, and they were married January 25, 1947 in St. Louis. The couple returned to Belmond that same year and resided in the same house for 60 years. Johan worked as an auto mechanic at the Ford garage, the Chevrolet garage, and later operated his own business, Johnny's Auto Repair, for about 15 years before retiring. Johan was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ for 60 years and loved going to church and church sponsored events. He was also the last charter member of Belmond VFW Post 4244. Johan took great pride in the American flag and all that it represents. He enjoyed fishing, camping and attending car shows. One of the great joys in Johan's life was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister Edna; and brother Marvin. Johan is survived by his wife; children Beverly (Brian) O'Donnell of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Susan (Ted) Long of Leawood, KS and Gary Pals (Darlene Hogan) of Boise, ID; grandchildren Amy (Derek) Hoffman, Brent O'Donnell and Kaitlin Long; great-grandchildren Allie and Devin Hoffman; and brother Alvin (Eleanor) Pals of Belmond.

©Belmond Independent 2007