Funeral services for Palmer J. Thompson will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. The Rev. Matt Griggs will officiate. Interment will be at Central Freeborn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Palmer died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Community.

Palmer James Thompson was born April 19, 1920, to Herbert and Ida (Hoverson) Thompson. He was a lifelong resident of Freeborn County. He attended Bell School.

On Feb. 15, 1942, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Stacia Lysne. After several moves, Palmer and Marjorie made their home on the farm by Clarks Grove. Palmer farmed, dehorned cattle for area farmers and retired from Wilson & Co. in 1981. Over the years, Palmer served on the boards for Bayview Funeral Home and Barlow School. He also served on the Central Freeborn Church council.

He enjoyed his fishing trips in Canada with his brothers, taking part in the Camp Courage Wagon Train and spending time with family and friends. Stories of his antics, sense of humor and generosity will live on for years to come.

Survivors include his children Stacia (Perry) Olson, Steven Thompson (Jan Lowe), Anita Jensen, Craig Thompson (Marita Wolf) and Connie (Dan) Williams; grandchildren Shelly Pearson (Brian Haug), Scott Olson (Colleen), Troy Olson, Debbie (Tad) Angell, Tim (Misty) Olson, Wendy Olson (Troy Schwarting), Mitch (Dana) Thompson, Michelle (Greg) Johannsen, Pat Jensen, Kristin Jensen, Jacob Williams and Rachel Williams; great-grandchildren Justen Pearson, Jeremy Pearson (Sarada Pann), Elizabeth Olson, Nick (Amber) Angell, Joey (Rachel) Angell, Alex Angell, Billy Mohn, Cody Olson, Brandon Schwarting, Brittney Schwarting, Mason Schwarting, Davin (Erin) Thompson, Zach (Alyssa) Thompson, Tyler Johannsen (Becca), Betsy (Tory) Stulen and Taylor Jensen; great-great-grandchildren Hailey Olson, Madison Anderson, Cadyn, Piper and Anthem Angell, Carson, Addison and Cole Thompson and Hunter Pearson; siblings and in-laws, Grace Arneson, Earl (Bev) Thompson, Paul (Mary) Thompson, David (Marlene) Thompson, Elaine Erickson, Alice (Al) Friedrich, Maurice (Henrietta) Lysne, Grace (Gerald) Skaar, Ruby Armstrong; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Palmer was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; parents, Herbert and Ida; siblings and in-laws, Howard (Bernice), Everett (Olive), Wally (Helen), Dorothy (Raymond) Jerdee, Carol (Jim) Bottleson, Harriet (Alec) Broskoff,  Edith and John Guritz, Doris Wayne, Rebecca and Charles Medd, Sarah and Harold Lunde, and Rachel Lysne.

Special thanks to the employees of Knutson Place, the Meadows and St. John’s short-term unit for their care of Palmer.