Richard L. Palmquist, 79, of Concordia, KS died on August 12 at Sunset Home. The facility held special meaning as he was born April 24,1943 in the same building when it was Concordia Hospital and he worked as Director of Maintenance at Sunset Home as well. He was the eldest child of Robert and Frances (Peterson) Palmquist. Richard graduated from Concordia High School and attended Kansas State University.
He began farming with his Uncle Reuben Palmquist in 1961. In 1962, Richard completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was a heavy equipment operator in Company A of the 81st Engineer Battalion. He served in the National Guard until August 1969.
On July 20, 1963, Richard married Linda Jean Basso. They had two children Tim (Maureen) Palmquist of Portland, OR, and Tammy (Kevin) Mitchell, of Kenilworth, IL, and celebrated over 55 years of marriage. Richard farmed for over 30 years in rural Concordia. In 1993, they sold the farm and Richard worked for Big A Auto parts for a brief period before joining Sunset Home as the Director of Maintenance in 1995. He retired in May 2011.
Richard loved farming, hunting, fishing, and tinkering in his shop. He was a 4-H leader, active in Young Farmers and Ranchers, and The Baptist Church. On Christmas Eve, he enjoyed dressing up like Santa Clause and surprising friend’s children with candy and gifts. Richard was also a volunteer firefighter, and a Cloud County storm chaser.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Linda. Richard is survived by his sister Martha (Ron) Peterson of Omaha, NE, his two children and their spouses, four grandchildren Brett (Chau) Palmquist of Westminster, CA, Chad Palmquist of Portland, OR, Megan Palmquist of Portland, OR, and Lauren (Thanh) Orr of Gardner, KS; as well as nine great-grandchildren Rocco, Brett, Isabella, Rhys, Kade, Harrison, Charlie, Abigail, and Emma.
The family has chosen cremation. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, September 10, 2022 at The Baptist Church, Concordia. Friends may sign the register book from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday, September 9, 2022 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia. Burial of the cremains will be in the Gotland Cemetery, rural Concordia.
Memorial contributions may be given to The Baptist Church, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation in care of the funeral home. For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.
