Anthony James 'Tony' Pahula

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Pahula, Anthony James "Tony" age 97, of Buhl, MN, received the gift of eternal life on January 17, 2015. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and John Pahula; sisters Mary Johnson and Ursula Mavetz; brothers Ed, Fred and John Pahula; loving wife Josephine Pahula and special friend Patricia Klarich. He is deeply missed by son Jim (Jackie) Pahula; daughter Betty (Bob) Barnacle; grandchildren Tony (Danielle) Pahula, Heather Barnacle, Tim (Kate) Pahula and Jesse (Mykell) Barnacle; great grandchildren Joey, Tate, Sylvie, Bryce, Beck, Ty and Camille and many nieces, nephews and friends. Tony was born (December 15, 1917) and raised in Soudan, MN. After graduating from Tower-Soudan High School, he attended Moorhead State College (where he also played football) until his junior year when his National Guard unit was activated during World War II. He served as Second Lieutenant in the army, stationed in the San Francisco Bay area and New Guinea. Following the war, he met his beloved wife, whom he married in 1947. He then received his Bachelor's Degree from UMD in physical education (minor in history) and his Master's Degree in education from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He taught phy. ed. In Lehr, ND, for one year and social studies and economics in Buhl for 34 years, where he also coached football, basketball and baseball and served as athletic director. Civic-minded and community-oriented, he also served on numerous committees and belonged to many organizations in a leadership role. Tony was also very active in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He was a long-time volunteer, being chosen to receive the County Volunteer of the Year award. Devoted to his faith and family, his was a life of honor, service, integrity and good will. His legacy of love will live on. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Buhl, MN, with Rev. Fr. Clem Gustin and Rev. Fr. Fred Method concelebrating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery in Buhl. Arrangements are entrusted to Rupp Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Chisholm. Memorials preferred to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church of Buhl or to Fairview Hospice. Guestbook: ruppfuneralhome.com

Published on January 31, 2015