Palas, Clifford George 'Pops'

Clifford George “Pops” Palas, 85, of Elkader, died Tuesday evening, Jan. 19, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. Clifford left this world surrounded by family to begin his reunion with family that preceded him in death.

He was born to Luver and Esther (Wilker) Palas on July 5, 1924, in rural St. Olaf. Clifford was raised on his parents' farm near St. Olaf, receiving his education at a neighboring country school. He served in the Army Air Corps near the end of World War II, a service he took great pride in. He led a life of consistent sharing, laughter and kindness. He made it his mission to bring a smile to the face of everyone he met. Clifford raised his family with his values of integrity, honor and a strong work ethic through some challenging times.

During his working career, he gained experience in a number of professions, including farming, heavy construction, home building and in his retirement, worked for the City of Elkader, supervising the City Park, which provided Cliff what he called his golden years of work and pleasure, all rolled into one. Clifford was a mentor for many as a supervisor in many roles, always leading by example with core values that he verbalized as, “close is not good enough, doing things right the first time, respect those you work with” and many other values. He spoke only as needed and said in those few words volumes about the values in which he lived his life.

Clifford was united in marriage to Norma Erickson on Nov. 14, 1947.

Survivors include his companion, Florence; his daughter, Lori (Dennis) Bergan of Elkader; sons, Brian (Carole) Palas of Ely, Mark (Cindy) Palas of Ely, David (Theresa) Palas of Volga, Ronald (Denise) Palas of Arlington and Gary (Sandee) Palas of Cedar Rapids; his sisters, Julaine (Roger) Mohning of Monona and Jennadine Walters of Ankeny; 15 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him were his parents; his wife, Norma; two brothers, Lavern and John Palas; and his sister, Yvonne Frye.

Clifford's family extends great appreciation and thank you to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. The level of care and compassion Clifford and family received during these past weeks was touching to say the least. What you do each day represents the very best skill and caring.

Online condolences may be left with www.leonard

funeralhomes.com

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader with Pastor Andrea Mericle. Burial: East Side Cemetery, with military rites by Lemka-Stendel American Legion Post 106. Visitation: 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.