Stephen John Pachel

   Stephen John “Packy” Pachel, age 61, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Ponsford, MN peacefully entered the presence of God’s Amazing Grace, in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 13th, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, after fighting a valiant battle against cancer these past three years.    Steve was born on January 25, 1956 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, MN to John and Bette (Stephens) Pachel. He attended grades one through sixth at the Osage Elementary School before going on to attend high school in Park Rapids. Steve was a stellar athlete and played football, wrestled and ran track at PRHS. He may have been the only Park Rapids football player to have run almost the entire length of the football field to score a touchdown all while his mother was stride for stride with him along the side lines cheering him on. Steve graduated with the infamous class of 1974. He went on to attend the Wadena Area Vocational-Technical College where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Immediately after, he began working as a surveyor for Hubbard County in 1977. Some years later Steve transferred to the Hubbard County Forestry Department where he worked until being promoted to serve as the Hubbard County Geographical Information Systems Coordinator mapping the county until his retirement in 2012. In all, Steve’s career with the County spanned 35 years. On September 1, 1995, Steve’s life was fulfilled in his marriage to Debi Haynes-Perry. She brought to her marriage her two daughters, Niki and Shana, making his family complete. Steve and Debi have made their home in Park Rapids ever since. His passions in life have included: spending time with his family and dogs, competing in volleyball, golf, broomball and soft ball. In addition his love for and talents in gardening gave him great satisfaction in raising award winning pumpkins and vegetables. He also loved creating delicious salsa which he shared with his family and many lucky friends. Steve had a heart for kids and especially loved playing with his granddaughter, nieces and nephews and his great nieces and nephews. Above all, Steve enjoyed focusing his life on his wife and soulmate, Debi and spending time with his family and friends.    Steve is survived by his wife, Debi; his two daughters: Niki (Jeff) Kiestler of Bell Buckle, TN and Shana Perry also of Bell Buckle, TN; his granddaughter, Cecelia Kiestler; his four sisters: Pam (Ronnie) Scholz of Boot Lake, MN, Patty Pachel of Park Rapids, Linda (Scott) Hogan of Hartford, SD and Kathy (Kirk) Brock of Park Rapids; three brothers: Dan (Kathy) Pachel of Ponsford, MN, Donny Pachel of Osage and Ron (Ruth Ann) Pachel of Ponsford; as well as many nieces, nephews, bonus children, other relatives , many friends and his three canine companions: Samson,Delila and Jackson.    Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Steve Weller and his beloved pets who died before him.    Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 19, 2017 at the St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Thomas Friedl officiating. The music will be led by Annette Haas playing her guitar and the soloist will be Kirk Brock. The active casket bearers will be: Brian Luther, Virgil Eskola, Tom Hofer, Brad Wilson, Spike Wellman, Luke Martin, AJ Feltus and Dude Trosdahl. The honorary casket bearers will be Steve’s 15 nieces and nephews and the Park Rapids High School Class of 1974. Interment will be made in the Linnell Cemetery next to his parents. Visitation will be held at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids from 5 to 8 PM Friday, August 18 and will continue beginning one hour prior to the service at the church. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the church for all. To leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.