about my husband, Julian, more in his wedding toast to us than me. Then he even brought Julian up in his toast at Sammie’s wedding. We have a glamping and events venue about 20-30 minutes from him and he’s always showing up to help do things, especially mowing. I’ve never seen someone who loves mowing as much as he does—and he’s picky about it, also. If you talk to the boys who went through the home, they will say he was tough, but they would never say he was mean. He gave them structure and sense of responsibility. Dad took his role in their lives very seriously. So many showed up to his retirement party and had so many good things to say about him. Many of them are leading very successful lives and have stable families—something they never had. I attribute that to my dad’s influence. He didn’t coddle them. He would never think he had impact, but all his daughters know he has had impact in every relationship he’s had. He’s a very special man to so many. My dad named me, and I was born at 12:03 p.m. He always calls me on my birthday at that exact time to give me his birthday wishes. He’s a softy, too. Erin Levering I respect my dad’s hard work, commitment, drive, tenacity, level headedness, grit, his value on family, friendships and helping others and the community. Dad was a bit intimidating growing up. He had high expectations, and you didn’t want to disappoint him. He would lug me around to horse shows as a kid and try to give me pointers under his breath as he stood along the fence and I rode by, with usually a bit of a frown on his face. Let’s face it.... I wasn’t great I moved on to volleyball and basketball. When I was younger, I didn’t get him or understand why
he would push so hard but now I do. Mike Pallas has high expectations, expects hard work, does not like a self-defeating behavior and will push you to help you realize your maximum potential. And now here I am years later, realizing I learned the lessons he was trying to teach, and I am more like him than I thought. I catch myself with those now instilled expectations and values trying to help my 8-year-old son (while maybe not so much under my breath) see his potential in life. But my dad didn’t do just do that for me. But for everyone in his life. He’s always helping neighbors, friends, the local fire department, 4-H programs or doing something for one of his girls, sons- in-law, and grandchildren. His life has always been about others. He has made an impact and a positive lasting impression. Stephanie Steck It’s hard to find someone more deserving to be in any Hall of Fame, than Pa, as Keagan gave him that name about 10 years ago. He’s truly a gift to so many. From the high standard he’s set in doing anything - sweeping the barn, mowing grass, schoolwork, animal projects you name it, he demands we always do our best. As a kid growing up in his barn, I can recall one day being lazy with a push broom and that was the end of the push broom. We had to use hand brooms going forward. He expected our best no matter the project we were doing. If you sweep, you sweep to the best of your ability. If you are rinsing a calf, do it the best you can. There was no room for I can’t, I don’t want to, or I don’t feel like it. Pa’s commitment to others is unbelievable. Pa is always available with a helping hand – you can often find him scooping snow out of a neighbor’s driveway, housing an animal that’s not his, or hauling
something for someone. And I can’t even begin to count the 4-H fair board meetings and show volunteer work that he’s been a part of over 40 years. Just his volunteer hours alone would rival several peoples combined. As Craig and I raise Keagan and Carter in the livestock industry we rely on the way Pa has taught us to do things. Do it the best we can and help others along the way. Today, after a show, Pa doesn’t ask as much about how we did, but more so what did we learn, who’d we visit with and were we able to help ourselves and those around us be better. No shortcuts in the barn growing up and there are no short cuts in life. He taught me to be resilient, hardworking and go above and beyond--even if it’s for someone else. Pa is a pretty special person and he’s affected positive change on so many. We’re all so blessed to have his guidance, passion, and love in our lives. I’m pretty darn thankful he and my mom met 30 years ago. Sammie Bauer My dad has always been very dependable. No matter what kind of help you need, he is always available if you are willing to put in the work. From a young age, he has always installed the value of hard work, not only in his children and grandchildren but also in his work at Omaha Home for Boys. His passion for helping others radiates through his selfless work on the farm and in his daily life. My dad is always the first to offer a helping hand, and the last to leave when the job is complete. I don’t know anyone more deserving of being inducted into the Hall of Fame than my dad. His core values align with the 4-H pledge of clearer thinking, greater loyalty, larger
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