Lee Francis Pals

A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength and grace, from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place. It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, with friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy, of joy and pride and pleasure, a living, lasting memory our grateful heart’s will treasure. -Author Unknown

Your gentle face and patient smile with sadness we recall, you had a kindly word for each and died beloved by all. The voice is mute and stilled the heart that loved us well and true. Ah, bitter was the trial to part from one as good as you. You are not forgotten loved one, nor will you ever be, as long as life and memory last, we will remember thee. We miss you now, our hearts are sore, as time goes by, we miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face, no one can fill your empty place. -Author Unknown

The man, the myth, the legend has passed away.

Lee Francis Pals was born in Slayton, Minnesota, on June 7, 1955, to Vernon and Nellie (Timmerman) Pals. Lee passed away on October 17, 2026, at the age of 71.

Lee grew up on a family farm near Fulda, Minnesota and attended the local grade school and high school. After graduating high school, he attended a local college but decided it was not for him. So, he enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1975 and was trained to be an Air Traffic Controller. Lee was stationed in New Mexico, Michigan and Upper Heyford, England.

After getting discharged, Lee got a job with his brother, but soon later Reagan fired all the ATCs; Lee then got hired by the FAA. Lee was an ATC for 35 years and 10 months. All that worked with him said, “if he was on duty they knew all would be alright, that he was great to work with and an all-around great guy.”

During his working years he discovered he had a disease called Kennedy’s disease, a rare form of muscular dystrophy. For 37 years, he dealt with this disease until it finally got the best of him.

Lee married Joselin Schwarz on March 11, 1984. Together they had one daughter and two sons.

Lee was preceded in death by his father and mother Vernon and Nellie Pals; and brothers Vern, Don and Lloyd Pals.

Lee is survived by his wife of 42 years Joselin; daughter Steffanie and son-in-law Andrew Limbo; sons Lincoln and Jackson all from Boulder City, NV; sisters Neila Nelson (Bruce) of Otsego, MN, Phyllis Haberman (Ed) of Browerville, MN, and Illene Kanne (Brian) of Rosemount, MN; brother Alan Pals (Kathy) of Sun City, AZ; sisters-in-law Nancy Pals of Riverton, ILL, Gayleen Pals of Fulda, MN and Vicki Pals of Herdon, VA; and many nieces and nephews.