Palser brothers prepare for retirement
Thank You Palser Service Perhaps no business has shown a level of dedication to the community they serve more than Palser Service. The duo of Dale and Dean Palser have stood the test of time as they have operated the family business that dates back to 1961 when their parents originally purchased the McNulty Texaco Station. Dale and Dean will now look forward to the next chapter in their lives as they put down the wrenches and head into retirement. A purchase of the business is in the works, but at this time has not been finalized. Those wishing to celebrate the Palser brothers can do so on Sunday during an open house.
After decades of serving the community with oil changes, tire repairs, and full-service gas pumps, co-owners Dale and Dean Palser are setting their sights on retirement. The Palser Service Station has been a local fixture, providing a myriad of automotive services and establishing the brothers as staples in the community.
Dale and Dean initially gained experience working at their parents’ service station during their school years and weekends. As they grew older, Dale moved to Lincoln, and Dean took a job at an alfalfa mill. Both served in the military during the Vietnam War. Dale later returned to Central City and resumed working at the family station, eventually becoming involved in the Central City Public School Board and the Central City Methodist Church Board. Dean moved back from David City in 1986 and began working full-time at Palser Service Station, also serving as the treasurer for the American Legion for several years.
Over the years, Palser Service Station has consistently been open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The brothers have offered services ranging from oil and tire changes to alignments. They also provided full-service fueling, including windshield cleaning and tire checks. The station featured convenience items such as sodas, beef jerky, and candy. At one point, during deer season, they even tagged deer brought into the station.
For many Central City residents and those in surrounding areas, Palser’s was their first job. I can personally attest to this, as it was my own first job outside of farm work. Under the Palsers’ tutelage, I gained invaluable skills in automotive repair and customer service, skills that have served me well throughout my life.
The station, originally purchased by the Palsers’ parents, Arthur and Thelma, back in 1961, functioned as both a service station and a motel at the time. Known then as McNulty Texaco Station, it was housed in a wooden building located adjacent to Highway 30. The site also boasted a hotel with a swimming pool. Over the years, the motel was demolished, and a new metal structure was erected, moved farther back from the highway to make room for three additional pumps.
Though not yet official, the Palsers are in talks to transfer ownership of the station, ensuring its continued service to the community. As for their retirement plans, Dean mentioned he’s looking forward to some home and yard projects and possibly some fishing. Dale added, “For me, I’ll just slow down a bit, relax, and spend time with my grandkids. But I still have projects at home. I’m going to keep busy because I just can’t quit.”
The community is invited to celebrate the Palsers’ retirement at an open house on Sunday, September 3rd, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Solt Wagner Community Center.