Brian Palen, Cawker City
December 6, 1970 - October 2, 2022
Brian Joseph Palen was born on December 6, 1970 to Cyril and DiAnna Palen. Brian was an adrenaline junkie from a young age. Whether he was running from the city cop on a snowmobile, or racing go-carts with his dad cheering him on, Brian loved being onery and enjoyed doing pranks with the neighborhood kids of Tipton. Brian quickly moved from go-carts to race cars. He enjoyed working with his crew and loved going fast. Brian’s love for speed gave his mother anxiety. Surviving a wreck that most people wouldn’t.
Once he decided to give up the need for speed, he decided to go big. He purchased a Peterbilt and a bull trailer. He enjoyed the long hauls and would call Melissa to keep him awake on long trips.
Briai decided he wanted a change of scenery so he moved to Colorado.
He was soon blessed with a beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn. He would always brag he was the only man that could drive an 18-wheeler and change a diaper at the same time.
Brian loved building cars and rebuilt a '69 Camaro which he nicknamed “Purple Passion.” While is Colorado, Brian’s adrenaline rush continued. He decided to take up bull riding. He soon realized riding wasn’t all it was cut out to be. He competed with a broken pelvis and ankle. Thank goodness his daughter convinced him to retire.
After 16 years Brain decided to leave Colorado behind. He returned to Osborne to help care for his mother but the truth be told DiAnna did the caring for. After returning, Brian rekindled an old love with Melissa Hoffman - Lyle. They were wed in a backyard ceremony on August 2, 2014.
Brain was a skilled leather craftsman and enjoyed crafting projects. He ended up turning his hobby into a business. Brian also had a love for fishing that he got from his dad and mom.
Brian had many jobs through is life from selling computers in Salina, rebuilding engines at R and M in Beloit. Brian was also employed with Osborne Industry. Brian's last job at American Ag and Auto was his favorite. He enjoyed his time he got to work with his cousin Mike Becker.
Brian and Melissa shared a blended family. They are proud parents of Katlyn Lawrence and Chantell Wessling. Brian was a very proud grandfather to Kinsley and Kamryn Lawrence and Kale and Kaden Wessling. His face would sparkle when he shared stories about his kids and grandkids.
On October 2, 2022, Brian lost his battle to an aggressive cancer that was only diagnosed two weeks prior. He fought a hard battle because he didn’t want to leave his family.
Brian is proceeded in death by his father Cyril Palen.
Brian is survived by his wife Melissa Palen of Tipton, his mother DiAnna Palen of Osborne, Kaitlyn Lawrence and husband James, their two girls Kinsley and Kamryn of Stephenville, Texas, Chantell Wessling and her husband Josh, their two boys Kale and Kaden of Beloit, Kansas.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11 a.m. in Tipton at St. Boniface Catholic Church. A rosary service will be held at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com.