Donald Pallissard

Donald Pallissard was one of those unique people that make life more interesting just by being alive. He was a colorful and earthy man with a great sense of humor, but moreover, he was a hardworking farmer who cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them while sharing much love and laughter.

In 1937, the United States was just beginning to surface from the effects of the Great Depression. While President Franklin Roosevelt continued to enact his domestic reform program known as the New Deal, political conflicts in Europe were heating up, and within two years World War II would escort a new generation of men into the horrors of battle. Donald was born on April 27, 1937, in Kankakee, Illinois, just as these events began to unfold. He was the seventh of eight children to Paul and Lenore (Duby) Pallissard of Bourbonnais, Illinois. Along with his siblings: Bernard, Doris, Wayne, Dale, Herb and Lois (his brother Paul died at birth), Don grew up with an appreciation for hard work as his parents made sure the kids learned responsibility by pitching in with the daily chores on their family farm. His parents were farmers, who grew grain and raised cattle, hogs, sheep and chickens. Don was just a young boy when their house burnt down, and they were allowed to live above the Bourbonnais Village Hall until they found a new place.

Don received his primary education at Notre Dame Convent and later in a one-room schoolhouse. He then went on to attend Bradley Bourbonnais High School, where he played football, but for some reason, he told his mom he didn’t get any playing time so she shouldn’t come to the games, but he actually got a lot of playing time. After graduating from BBHS in 1955, Don followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, where he became an Expert Rifleman. After his tour of duty, Don continued his military service in the Army Reserves and served as a cook.

Don married the love of his life, Mary Lou Massey, on February 20, 1965, in the Maternity BVM Catholic Church, and they had two sons, Don and Brian. Don farmed with his family all his life on their family farm in Bourbonnais, and he loved this work. In fact, Mary Lou’s parents owned Sib’s Tap just across the street from the farm so family was always in close proximity. Although farming was a year round profession, Don and Mary Lou took time to vacation together, taking a Mexico and Caribbean cruise as well as a few trips to Florida and Hawaii for their 25th anniversary. When relaxing at home, Don liked watching western movies starring John Wayne, or catching a game from one of his favorite Chicago teams – the Cubs, Bears and Bulls. Nothing made Don happier though than spending time with his grandchildren, who he adored. He was their #1 fan at all their games and activities for school. And there were undoubtedly lots of giggles heard when Grandpa Don flipped his dentures in his mouth for them. He will be greatly missed.

Donald Pallissard, 76, of Bourbonnais, IL passed away at his home on Friday, May 17, 2013. Don is survived by his wife of Bourbonnais, his mother of Bourbonnais, two sons, Don and Maria of Bourbonnais and Brian and (Adana Beland) of Denver. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Matthew, Zachary, Seth, Luke, Grace, Austin, Presley, and Madelyn, along with his brother, Herb (Cindy), sister, Lois “Babe” (Max) Grinstead, and one sister-in-law, Kay, all of Bourbonnais. He was preceded in death by his father, four brothers, Bernard, Wayne, Paul, and Dale, along with one sister, Doris Bowles.

A gathering for family and friends will be Wednesday, May 22, from 4-8 p.m. at the Bourbonnais Chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Homes with a celebration of Don’s life on Thursday, May 23, at Maternity BVM Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the mass at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais IL. The Rev. Richard Pighini will officiate. To upload a photo, leave a condolence and share a special memory, please go to schrefflerfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be made to the family wishes and Maternity BVM Catholic School.