Donald O. Pahlke

Donald Otto Pahlke was born in Kellogg Idaho on May 18th 1948 to John Senior and Joyce Pahlke. He grew up with his three brothers, John, Jim, and Mike and his sister Kathy. When Don was six years old his family moved to Portland Oregon where he attended St Peter’s grade school and Central Catholic High School. Don played football for Central Catholic as the running back and wide receiver. During this time, he earned the nickname Iron Don Pahlke for his athleticism in football and track and field. I am sure there is a good story behind this nickname and unfortunately, I do not know the details. Maybe some Central Catholic folks can share with us during the open mic or at the reception how he got this nickname.

After high school, Don attended Portland State University where he met his beautiful wife Sue (aka mama Sue) in an accounting class. In between graduating from college, Don enlisted in the Navy where he served two years as an electrician and he met his best friend of over 50 years, Duncan Abrams. His role as an electrician allowed him to travel to Vietnam, Hawaii, Japan, and South Korea.

When Don returned to the United States he married Sue on August 21 1971 and Tim and Troy were born just a few years later. Don took pride in being a father to Tim and Troy and a grandfather to Kyle, Evan, and Ryan. He made a conscious effort to attend every football game, track meet, basketball game. He was so proud of his boys and this was shown as they were often a topic of conversation.

In 1981, Don and Sue purchased their first lot at Lake Merwin where they spent more than 40 years waterskiing, swimming, barbecuing, camp fires and enjoying time together. The boys and their friends loved his French toast which quickly became a Lake Merwin tradition.

Don had a successful career with the City of Portland where he served as a patrol officer and later as a detective in the drugs and vice division. After 25 years of service, he retired at the age of 50.

In his retirement, Don enjoyed the snowbird life splitting his time between Oregon and Arizona, cruising to warmer climates, softball, garage sale-ing, and tinkering in his garage.

Cruising was one of Don’s favorite ways to vacation. Sue was very surprised Don was interested in cruising. While he was in the Navy Don wrote letters to Sue letting her know he was seasick 22 days out of the 25 days they were at sea. Despite being seasick in the Navy, this did not deter Don from enjoying over 35 cruises during his lifetime.

At the age of 61, Don was diagnosed with two types of brain cancer and was given 3-6 months to live. Being a stubborn ass, he lived an additional 13 years battling various types of cancers that came along. His dedication and love for his family is what he fought for every day.

Don was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He demonstrated his dedication daily by consistently doing things for others. Fixing things and tinkering in his garage were one of his favorite ways to pass the time. You needed a ceiling fan hung? Don would be there with his tool bag ready.

I am sure many of you know Don was quite the jokester and loved telling a good joke or funny story. When people would ask how him and Sue met he loved to tell a story of how he met “Flavel Sue” because her phone number was written in a gas station bathroom that stated “for a good time call…” and after he took Sue out he went back and crossed out “good”.

Don’s laugh is one I will always remember. He had this boisterous, hearty laugh that expressed so much joy and happiness and brightened up any room. Both Troy and Tim inherited Don’s laugh so if you would like to hear his laugh again. They will be available for some laugh therapy during the reception.

Humble. Don was so humble. He was always willing to help others but never wanted attention on himself. I am sure he is shaking his head right now with the service and reception we are holding today in his honor.

Don is survived by his wife Sue, sons Tim and Troy, Grandsons Kyle, Evan, and Ryan, brothers Jim and Mike, and sister Kathy.

God Saw You Getting Tired

Unknown Author

God saw you getting tired

and a cure was not to be

so he put his arms around you

and whispered,

“Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we watched you

and saw you pass away

and although we love you dearly

we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating

hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best.

A Love Like No Other

By Paula M. Newman

From the time I was born

All you could see

Was endless perfection

In little baby me

When you first held me

That’s when I knew

You were my papa

No one else would do

As I grow older

and reach for the sky

My Papa is still there

to keep that twinkle in my eye

When I needed someone to hold me

you never say I’m too big

You’d pick me up and squeeze me

and whisper you’re my little kid

Most other people don’t understand me

or maybe just not as well

That’s why you’re the one I run to

when I have something to tell

I love you Papa

as you can see

I’m so glad

that you’re a part of me