Obituary of Eldon H. Pals

Eldon Hio Pals, 90, passed away on February 3, 2023. Services for Eldon will be held at Ankeny Baptist Church, with visitation on Friday, February 17, 5:30-8:00 p.m. and memorial service on Saturday, February 18, 10:30 a.m.

Eldon was born on a farm near Meservey, IA to Harm H. Pals and Reka (Kuhlers) Pals on September 24, 1932. Eldon grew up on that farm, and graduated from Meservey High School. At the age of 19, Eldon and his family attended a tent evangelism outreach event in Belmond, IA. It was at this event, his whole family saw their need for a Savior and asked Jesus into their lives. The next fall, Eldon enrolled in Omaha Baptist Bible Institute (OBBI), in Omaha NE. While attending there, he met and later married Lola Mae Kempton on June 1, 1954. Eldon graduated from OBBI in 1956. He then pastored five Baptist churches: New Hartford, IA; La Crosse, WI; Bloomfield, IA; Forest City, IA; and Monroe, IA. He was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church, Newton, Calvary Baptist, Grinnell, and most recently Ankeny Baptist, Ankeny. Eldon served as a board member of Denver Baptist Bible College, Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches Council of 10, Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, and served as President of the American Council of Christian Churches.

Eldon loved meeting people, drinking black coffee, reading his Bible, and telling people about Jesus. He led many Bible studies, taught Sunday school, and loved preaching the Word of God.

Eldon and Lola were married for 68 years and blessed with 5 children: Becky, Bruce, Bob, Russ, and Chellee.

Those left to remember Eldon are his wife, Lola; brother, Ron Pals; his children, Becky (Dickey) Simpson of Des Moines, IA, daughter-in-love Dana (Jim) Franzen of Altoona, IA, Russ (Michelle) of Ankeny, IA, and Chellee (Dennis) Hedges of Omaha NE.

Grandchildren: Jason Simpson (Anahi Douglas), Lisa (Jim) Steppenbacker, Amy Simpson (John Jamison), Aaron (Laura) Pals, Mallory (Mason) Winder, Jayme Pals, Taylor Pals, Jacob Hedges (Erika Schweikert), Aaron (Valorie) Hedges, Rachel (Justin) Baker, Jessica Hedges and Elizabeth Hedges; 16 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandson.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, Harm and Reka, infant son, Bruce, son, Bob, and sister-in-law, Shirley Pals.

Memorials may be directed to Iowa Regular Baptist Camp (IRBC).