Kenneth Paul Palmquist, age 82, left this earthly life on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Sunset Nursing Home, Concordia, KS surrounded by his family. He was born on April 17, 1942 in Deshler, NE to Elmer G. & Inez M. (Bevington) Palmquist.
He lived in Hebron, NE (his mother’s hometown) until his father purchased the Schmelling Drug Store and they moved to Concordia, KS in 1945. He graduated from Concordia High School in 1960. He attended Kansas University for one year and then graduated from UMKC in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. He was a member of Kappa Psi, a pharmacy student fraternity. He married Mary Ann St. Pierre on June 8, 1963 in Concordia, KS. He worked for Parkview Drug Store until 1967 when he and Mary Ann returned to Concordia, KS. He then joined the family business at Palmquist Drug Store. On January 2, 1972, he and his brother, Keith became co-owners of the drug store until Keith moved to Montana in 1993. He then operated the drug store with his son Steven until his retirement in 2016.
He took great pride in serving Concordia and the surrounding communities, providing compassionate and professional care as a pharmacist for 50 years. Ken’s example paved the way for both of his children to follow in his footsteps in becoming pharmacists themselves.
Ken and Mary Ann were active members of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Concordia, KS where Ken served as an acolyte, lay reader, Vestry member, and sang in the choir. For his dedicated church service he received the Bishop’s Award. After the church closed, Ken and Mary Ann attended the First United Methodist Church, Concordia.
His community involvement included Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Hospital Foundation Board and Sunset Home Board. Driven by his passion for the performances at the Brown Grand Theatre, Ken dedicated many years to enriching the Concordia community by bringing a diverse array of entertainment through the Community Concert Association. Ken enjoyed attending local sporting events and concerts at Concordia High School and Cloud County Community College
Ken and Mary Ann cherished countless travels and adventures with friends and family, with one of their favorite destinations being Lake City, Colorado.
Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann, Concordia, KS; daughter, Lisa Sorell (Sean), Manhattan, KS; son, Steven Palmquist (Andrea), Concordia, KS; brother, Keith Palmquist, Bigfork, MT; grandsons, Lane Sorell (Sammi Grieger), Isaac Sorell, Jacob Palmquist & Kyle Palmquist, sisters-in-law Joyce Coppoc (Jim), Sandy Sample (Roger); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer & Inez Palmquist and sister-in-law Diana Palmquist.
Visitation will be held from 1-8 pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, with the family greeting friends from 6-7 pm all at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, in Concordia, Kansas.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church, Concordia, KS with Pastor Mark Crist officiating and burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, KS. The family suggests memorials to the Brown Grand Theater or the First United Methodist Church, Concordia in care of the funeral home. For online condolences please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
