Dr. Arnold J. "Arnie' Pals Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dr. Arnold J. “Arnie” Pals, 84, left this world and entered his eternal heavenly home on Thursday morning, May 19, 2022, in Muskegon. A very active and healthy man, he was recovering from the successful removal of a benign brain tumor and sadly passed away from a severe abdominal hemorrhage. He was born March 15, 1938, in Hull, Iowa to William and Willemina (Visser) Pals. He attended the Hull Christian Grammar School and later graduated from Western Christian High School. He attended Michigan State University where he received his B.S. degree in 1961 and his D.V.M. degree in 1963. He served as a Captain and Doctor in the United States Army Veterinary Corp. He spent his service time in Washington D.C. as a research support veterinarian at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. From 1965 to 1968 Arnie worked as a pet veterinarian in Grand Rapids, MI. During this time-period he met and married Joanne Kuipers in 1966. In 1968 they moved to Lansing, MI where Arnie worked at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. While at Michigan State, Arnie started the MSU Veterinary Tech Program, and was the first Director. He recently received a special recognition on the Vet Tech Program’s 50-year anniversary celebration. Arnie also established the Pals Family Scholarship to support MSU Veterinary students. In 1972, the family moved to Spring Lake and became a partner of Clarke Animal Hospital. Arnie was an excellent veterinarian and was eager to take on difficult cases. He enjoyed his friendships with his clients and their pets. He enjoyed working with his partners and staff. He was very proud when his son joined the practice as a veterinarian. Arnie was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He was an active member at his church, Ferrysburg Community Church (CRC), as a deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, singing in the choir and most noticeably a welcome face to anyone new to FCC. Arnie was generous with his time and resources. He was humble, kind and an avid friend maker; he wasn’t satisfied until he had met everyone in the room. He loved gardening, fishing, wine-making and restoring his family 1931 Ford Model A. Arnie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanne; three children: Carol (William) Stewart, Dr. William (Stephanie) Pals, Sarah Pals; 5 granddaughters; 1 grandson; brother: Dr. Peter (Helen) Pals; in-laws: Dr. Donald (Lucille) Kuiper, Dr. Bernard (Dr. Suzanna) Kuipers. Visitation at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, will be Sunday, May 29, from 2-5 PM. The funeral service will be Tuesday, May 31, at 11:00 AM at Ferrysburg Community Church, 17785 Mohawk D., Spring Lake, 49456. Burial will take place at Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland. Contributions in memory of Dr. Pals may be made to Grand Haven Christian School, Western Michigan Christian High School, or Ferrysburg Community Church.

Dr. Arnold J. "Arnie' Pals

March 15, 1938 - May 19, 2022