Doris Jean Pahl, 93, of Brookings, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Brookings Hospital.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Brookings at 10:30 a.m. Burial will immediately follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery in Brookings. A meal and time of fellowship will follow burial at the church. Visitation will be held the evening prior, Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Eidsness Funeral Home from 5 until 7 p.m.
Doris Jean Pahl was born on Dec. 20, 1930, in Brookings, SD, the daughter of Walter "Ole" and Hannah (Fish) Sharp.
Doris Jean attended school in Brookings, White, Los Angeles, CA, and Minneapolis, MN, graduating from the Brookings High School in 1948. Working at Nielson's Flower Shop during high school, she developed an appreciation for floral arranging. She was united in marriage to Darrel "Red" Pahl on Sept. 11, 1949, at the First United Methodist Church in Brookings. The Pahl family moved several times throughout their lives, including to Britton, Gettysburg, Ruthton, MN, and Parker, before finally settling in Brookings in 1970. Doris Jean was a stay at home mom for her children Craig, Mike, Randy, and Suzanne.
When the family returned to Brookings in 1970, Doris Jean returned to SDSU as a non-traditional student. Graduation in 1978, was uniquely special, with her family shouting "Yeah Mom!" as she received her diploma. Following graduation, she worked for the Head Start Program as a home visitor in the Home Based Program, and later as the coordinator of the program. Making a difference was especially important to Doris Jean. She called on breast cancer patients for the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery Program to share her own story and provide encouragement and hope to others.
Doris Jean was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brookings, serving on many committees. She especially enjoyed playing in the Jubilee Bell Choir. She was also active in P.E.O. Chapter BP, Tops #319, Hannah Circle, and various Bible Study Groups. She enjoyed working in her Irish Potting Shed, built especially for her by Red, where she dried flowers and made arrangements. She was also a volunteer, enjoyed reading, knitting, antiques, crafts, music, and spending time with family and friends were some of her passions. Jean was an inspiration to the many that knew and lover her.
Doris Jean is survived by her children: Craig (Colleen) Pahl, of Vero Beach, FL, Mike (Roseanne) Pahl, of Custer, SD, Randy (Jennifer) Pahl, of Carson City, NV, and Suzanne (Joel) Eberhart, of Garden City, MN; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband "Red"; two brothers, Gordon and Walter; and a grandson, Alex.
Although floral gifts are appreciated, the Pahl family suggests memorial donations be made to McCrory Gardens in Brookings, or the Head Start Program through Brookings County Community Action.
