Robert "Bob" James Pals
December 02, 2019
Robert James Pals, 60, passed away Monday, December 2, 2019 at Kavanagh House. Services for Bob will be held at Soteria Church, 3250 Soteria in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Thursday, December 5 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., the funeral service on Friday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m. and burial at Avon Cemetery in Des Moines.
Bob was born April 23, 1959 in Cedar Falls, IA to Lola (Kempton) and Eldon Pals. Eldon was a pastor and the family moved frequently to serve multiple churches. Bob graduated from Monroe High School and then AIB College with an accounting and computer science degree. On August 8, 1981, Bob married his high school friend, Dana Doggett and the couple made their home in Marshalltown while Dana finished her nursing degree. Their careers took them to Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Omaha, and back to Des Moines in May of 2017. During that time, Bob returned to school in his 40’s to complete his Bachelor’s degree at Graceland College and his Master’s by the age of 50 from William Penn. He held various positions over the years in Accounting and IT Management including Wakes Feed, Wheeler Consolidated, Tones Spices, the State of Iowa, and most recently at Alorica.
In his free time, Bob was a devoted member of Soteria Church serving in numerous teacher and leadership roles. He and Dana enjoyed traveling to Pass-a-Grille Beach, FL and treasured their last trip there in April of this year. Bob enjoyed Saturday breakfasts with his buddies, Roy and Matt, caring for his dog, Strider and attending movies. Bob was the fun Papa. He delighted in making pancakes and bacon for the grandkids when they spent the night, playing board games, watching movies, and making his special Queso dip. To his children, Aaron and Mallory, he was a wise and loving father.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 38 years, Dana; son, Aaron (Laura); daughter, Mallory (Mason) Winder; grandchildren, Maximas Winder and Cohen and Ellie Pals; his parents; siblings, Rebecca (Dick) Simpson, Rachelle (Dennis) Hedges, and Russell (Michelle) Pals; many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Bob was preceded in death by his infant brother, Bruce Aaron Pals.
Memorial may be directed to Iowa Regular Baptist Camp in Ventura, IA or to EveryStep Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kirk Pittman
08/16/2021
To Bob's family, I am so sorry for your loss. To Bob, I'm so sorry I'm so late to hear this. You were my first boss post-military, and were instrumental in getting my IBM/RPG/programming/IT career launched. You were so much fun to work with. God's peace.
John & Joy Nish
12/07/2019
We offer our deepest condolences to Dana, Aaron, Mallory, and the whole Pals family. Bob was a trusted friend, a marvelous teacher, and a well-grounded Christian who was always upbeat, kind, attentive, and loving--and we will miss him dearly. Even though we know that he is in Paradise with Christ, we mourn his departure from our presence for this short time. Joy and I pray that the Lord helps you through the grief of this momentary separation from Bob with the certainty of being able to spend eternity worshiping God together with him.
Jan Miller
12/06/2019
To the Pals family: We are so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you in your sorrow. "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knoweth them that trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7) Leo and Jan Miller
Lois baird
12/06/2019
So sorry for your loss some day we well meet again with our lord
Paul Ruble
12/05/2019
So sorry for your lost. I will not be able to attend the visitation or the funeral as I am under the weather. My prayers are with you and the family. God is in control always. Love you all.
Jay and Laura Coons
12/04/2019
Im so sad to hear of Bobs passing but must rejoice in the fact that he is well and with our Heavy Father. Sending love and prayers to you all.
Denny and Nancy Hyde
12/04/2019
Thinking of you and your family. Please know we are praying for you .
James M Hoyt
12/04/2019
Deepest sympathy to the Pals Family. Went to school with Eldon & Lola. May the Lord give comfort and grace.
Lori Anderson
12/04/2019
Dana, my hugs continue across the miles. Bob knew great love. I am so very sorry for your great loss. Mere words are inadequate for what youre going through. May he rest in Gods peace.
Wade Sheeler
12/04/2019
Though it has been many, many years since I saw Bob and Dana, I fondly remember the Pals family from my days in Monroe. Sincerest sympathies to each of you during this difficult time.
Robert Brown
12/03/2019
Bob & Dana became dear friends as a result of being servants to hold babies!
Through the years I observed his unwavering love for his family, his church family, and his friends, of whom I was privileged to be counted as one.
So thankful our friendships will be forever in heaven.
Love you my brother!