GARY JOSEPH PALEN

Gary Joseph Palen, 63 yrs. old of Brownsville, MN passed away on July 26, 2018 at Gunderson Hospital, La Crosse WI. He was born July 20, 1955 in Caledonia, MN to Ralph Arnold Palen and Carol Marie Walhovd/Palen/Heisler, one day before Ralph’s birthday. Gary started school in Richland Center, WI and continued his elementary years in Brownsville, MN and in June of 1973 he graduated from Caledonia High School. Gary then went on to attend college at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse until 1975. Gary always had an interest in music, but in Junior High under the mentoring of Alex Vaver and the High School Jazz Band he became more devoted to music. Music was Gary’s passion and that continued to grow as he was in college studying music and participating in the UWL Marching Chiefs. He became more involved with different bands and artists throughout his life. Just a few of the bands he played with where Bittersweet, Stinger, Passage, Doug and the Chicago Mob, Pipestone, Pearl Street Band, and backup bands for many national acts. Gary traveled to many location with these various bands. One destination was going to the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway in 1994 where he played for the Olympians and the King of Norway. Another was his USO Tour in Asia where he was able to visit Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam. He also played in Nevada, Washington, Tennessee, California, North and South Dakota, Illinois, Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Many people have enjoyed listening to Gary play multiple instruments while doing vocals. His venues ranged from a world renowned stage, to his hometown, to family camping trips. He never needed a large audience only an opportunity to share his gifts. While Gary was a performer first he also wrote and recorded music. He spent several hours composing various music selections and trying different techniques on his many guitars. His most endearing music was when he would record with his niece, nephew and son, Seth. Gary stayed locally after the birth of his son, Seth in 1996. He was able to spend time with his family and his music. He was a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe - White Earth Band. Gary is survived by his parents: Robert and Carol Walhovd, son: Seth Palen, siblings: Susan (Palen) & Gary Reihl, Gerald Walhovd, Pamela Walhovd, nieces and nepews: Alesia (Adam) Hofschulte, Aaron (Christa) Reihl, Anthony Reihl, Natalie Stone, Anastasia Walhovd, Roslyn (Jordan) Walhovd, great-nephews and niece: Aiden and Arya Hofschulte, Harrison Reihl Gary was preceded in death by his father: Ralph Palen, grandparents, John & Marie Heisler, Mathew & Armella Palen, Lester & Bertha Walhovd. The family would like to thank Lakeview Health Center, West Salem, WI for their care and service of Gary. Services for Gary will be at 11:30 am, Saturday, August 4th, at St.Patrick Catholic Church, Brownsville, MN. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:30 am before the service, at Breza Hall, next to the church, with a rosary at 9:30 am. Luncheon will follow immediately after the mass, and burial will occur later at Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia.

GARY JOSEPH PALEN

July 20, 1955 - July 26, 2018