Leonard Palmer, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2020, with his family by his side after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.
Leonard was born February 2, 1936 to Carl and Elva Palmer on a farm near Courtenay, North Dakota. He attended and graduated from Courtenay High School in 1954. He enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, as a gun operator and supply driver. In 2019 he was chosen to participate in the Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN.
Leonard married the love of his life Theresa Bohl on October 10, 1960. They made their home and started their family in Carrington, North Dakota. He worked for Palmer Plumbing and Heating from 1959 to 1966. They had four children, three boys and one girl. Later in 1966, Leonard and Theresa moved to Jamestown, North Dakota where he worked as a patrolman for the Jamestown Police Department. During his time at the Jamestown PD, he served as a corporal, sergeant and then ended his career as a Lieutenant in 2000 when he retired after 34 years of service.
He was a lifetime member of the ND Peace Officers Association (NDPOA), Knights of Columbus and Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He was also a member of the VFW. He was a member of Sertoma and received the Sertoma Man of the Year award in 2002. He was a member of the Basilica of St. James and volunteered for many years as an usher.
Leonard enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, boating and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his four children, Michael Palmer (Vickie), Jamestown, ND, Lori McGarry (Terry), Davenport, ND, Kevin Palmer (Danette), Fergus Falls, MN and Daniel Palmer (Lisa) Harwood, ND. His sister Lorraine Sande (Gerry), New Brighton, MN and a brother Loran Palmer (Dori) Wahpeton, ND. A special friend, Lenora Kutz, Jamestown, ND. He had nine grandchildren, Erica Pfaff, Mason Clayton, Madison Palmer, Jeff Koble, Kelsey Koble, Sam Palmer, Nate Palmer, Morgan Schreiner, MacKenzie Palmer. Three great-grandchildren, Bentley Pfaff, Briar Pfaff and Wyatt Davis.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Palmer, parents Carl and Elva Palmer and a sister, Darlene Palmer.
Visitation – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2020 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown.
Rosary – 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2020 with a Prayer Service to follow at St. James Basilica, Jamestown.
Mass of Christian Burial – 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, with Monsignor Jeffrey Wald officiating.