Ruth E. Palmquist

Ruth E. Palmquist 89, of Willmar, died Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis.  Her funeral service will be 11:00 am Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at Peace Lutheran Church in New London.  Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Services are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home in New London.  

Ruth Anne Elaine Palmquist was born on May 20, 1932, in Willmar, Minnesota the daughter of Anna and Lloyd Olson.  She was later adopted by her aunt and uncle Borghild and Lawrence Peterson.  Ruth was baptized at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar on September 18, 1932, and later confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church on May 25, 1947.  She attended grade school at District 18 and District 62 Country Schools and went on to Willmar High School. 

On July 9, 1949, Ruth was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Richard “Dick” Palmquist. This union was blessed with three children, Gary, Terry, and Sherry.  Ruth and Dick built their home and raised their family in Plymouth, MN.  Ruth was a hard worker in and out of her home.  She worked for National School Studios/Lifetouch as a printer, retiring in 1989.  After retirement, she and Dick wintered at their Florida Villa returning to their home on Lake Andrew in the summers.   In 2013 Dick passed away.  They shared in 64 years of marriage before his death.

Ruth was an avid golfer, frequently golfing at Hunters Ridge and the Little Crow Country Club.  She loved playing cards and board games, especially Scrabble, at which she was hard to beat.  She also enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, crocheting, and quilting.  Ruth made quilts for her grandchildren and others.  Ruth and Dick provided 4th of July celebrations for family and friends for many many years at their lake home.  It was an event that was enjoyed by many. 

Ruth’s faith was very important to her she volunteered and attended bible studies. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in New London and attended services regularly in Florida.   She prayed for many, often saying with a smile, her knees hurt from kneeling to pray while her grandchildren were growing up.  She welcomed family and friends to her homes, providing meals, baking, and making everyone feel at home with love, hugs, and laughter. 

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Sherry (Doug) Wadsworth of Willmar; grandchildren, Kelly (Rory) Quade, of Belgrade, Keith (Jana) Palmquist of Willmar, Kreg Palmquist of Lake Lillian, Tim (Cassie)Palmquist of Belgrade, Travis (Amber) Palmquist of New London, Tanya Nunn of Maple Grove, Justin Wadsworth of Willmar, and Jeremiah (Candi) Wadsworth of Silsbee, TX; 25 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ilo Palmquist of New London; and many nieces and nephews. 

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dick; sons, Terry and Gary; four sisters; two brothers, and her brother-in-law, Merle.   

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