Free Press Obituary

Joleen Elizabeth Palmquist, age 81 of Kasota, passed away on November 19th of natural causes at Mayo Mankato Hospital.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at First Lutheran Church, St. Peter, MN, with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service.  (www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com)

Joleen was born to Marie (née Monson) and Orville Thompson in Nicollet, MN.  She was confirmed in the faith and was a member of First Lutheran Church in St. Peter.  Joleen married Gerald “Jerry” Palmquist in 1960 in St. Peter, MN.  The couple raised their five children and spent 56 of their 63 years together on their hobby farm in rural Kasota, MN.  Joleen spent many of her years as a homemaker, but when her children were older she was employed at ADC and, later, at Gustavus Adolphus College.  

“Jo” had a wide variety of interests and many hobbies, which included fabric crafts (sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and many types of needlework), antique furniture refinishing, interior design, decorating for holidays, and flower gardening.  She loved her dogs and enjoyed birdwatching, doll collecting, and attending craft shows.  Joleen had a strong regard for her Swedish ancestry, which she imparted to her family, and will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, for whom she hosted family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Jo is survived by her husband, Jerry; her children Brady (Jerrie Hayes), Carey (Lisa), Thea (Paul Arndt), and Kristin Johnson (Jeff); son-in-law, Tim McGovern; 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara Thompson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Joleen was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Kimberly McGovern; her grandson Ross Palmquist; and her brother, Richard Thompson. 

The family is grateful for the compassionate care Joleen received from her Mayo ICU team.