Larry Palmer

Lawrence “Larry” Palmer, 87, of Crookston, MN, passed away at his home early Thursday morning, April 16, 2020, with members of his family at his side.

Larry was born in Crookston, MN on June 9, 1932, one of four children of the union of Emery and Lenore (Kotschevar) Palmer. He was baptized and confirmed at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Mae Brunelle, on May 4, 1954. In the early 1970’s he established his own business, Palmer Masonry which was later purchased by his son, Tim. The last years of Larry’s working career were spent as a sales rep for Strata Concrete in Grand Forks, ND before retiring in 1984. Larry was a lifelong member of the Cathedral Parish, and a former member of the Knight of Columbus. He also held memberships with VFW Post #1902, American Legion Post #20, and Eagles Aerie #873

Larry found great joy and pride in donating a large portion of his time to coaching youth hockey in Crookston. He was also the head coach of the Senior Pirate Hockey Team in the late 70’s early 80’s.

He will be forever missed by his 4 children and their spouses: Nancy (Jerry) Sykes of Crookston, Lynn (Ricky) Oakes of Crookston, Timothy (Kristie) Palmer of Crookston and Rebecca (Larry) Lowe of Boonville, IN; 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters and his beloved dog, Katie.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, his oldest grandchild, Chad Michael Oakes; his parents, Emery and Lenore Palmer; parents-in-law, Irvin and Fern Brunelle; and brother-in-law, David Brunelle. Blessed be Larry’s memory.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions the family of Larry Palmer will hold a private Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with The Very Rev. Vincent Miller, presiding. A graveside service will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Crookston at a later date with the Crookston Veterans Council and the US Navy Honors Unit from Minneapolis, providing Military Honors. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a memorial in Larry’s name to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Rochester, MN, c/o Nancy Sykes, 740 Holly Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716.

Please send messages of condolence to the family at www.stenshoelhouske.com