A Memorial Service for Michael LaVern Pascale will be held July 19, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.
Mike was born on September 23, 1945 in Washington, D.C. to Benjamin and Elizabeth (Butler) Pascale. He graduated from Chadron High School in 1964 and joined the U.S. Army. He went to basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and then went on to Airborne training at Ft. Benning, GA. He then served in Vietnam with the 173d Airborne Brigade. He was awarded the Purple Heart in 1965 and an oak leaf cluster in 1966 for wounds received in action, Parachute Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1967. Mike then joined the Nebraska National Guard where he served for 22 years, reaching the rank of E7 Sergeant First Class.
He married Diana Van Vleet September 19, 1968 in Huron, South Dakota and had resided in Chadron, NE ever since. Mike began working at the Nebraska Department of Roads for 10 years, worked for Burlington Northern RR for 10 years, then rounded out his professional career as an over the road truck driver, having retired from driving in 2011. During this time the couple welcomed 2 children and one grandchild into their home.
His children remember him as a man who would always welcome you with a hug and a kiss. He was a man of few words, but he was never afraid to say what was on his mind. He was tough and larger than life to his children and grandchild. He loved deeply in his own way.
Mike was passionate about his family, his coffee group and going to the Chadron Senior Center for coffee and lunch, Nascar, football, golf and listening to music. He loved AC/DC. Mike was a dedicated member of the community and often volunteered at the Chadron Senior Center and was a Chadron Volunteer Firefighter for several years in the 1970s.
Mike is survived by his wife Diana; children, Michael Pascale Jr. (Sandy Meyer) of Hot Springs, SD and Casey (Corinne) Pascale of Firestone, CO; Granddaughter Jade (Carlos) Davis of Flowery Branch, GA; and his favorite dog and best friend Sarg. Siblings, Thomas (Rose) Pascale of Sacramento, CA, Richard (Wendy) Pascale of Alliance, NE and Lillian Gibson of Los Angeles, CA. Sisters-in-law, Paulette (William) Burnside of Tunkhannock, PA and Susan Van Vleet of Hot Springs, SD, 8 nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his Mother, Elizabeth Pascale of Chadron, NE and Father, Benjamin Pascale of Astoria, Queens, NY and 3 sisters, Louise, Florence and Rita.