Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Obituary: Catherine Palmer

Catherine Palmer

Carrington, N.D.

Catherine J. Palmer, 100, of Carrington, N.D., passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Golden Acres Manor, Carrington, N.D.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington, with burial at the Carrington Cemetery. Fr. Bernard Pfau officiated the service with special music by Marlene Boyer, Jennifer Hoornaert and the Sacred Heart Catholic Choir. Casket bearers were all of Catherine's grandchildren and honorary bearers were all of Catherine's great-grandchildren.

Catherine Johanna LaQua was born on January 5, 1921 in Kensal, N.D. She was the first born of six children to Joseph Albert and Irene Mary (Clancy) LaQua. Catherine graduated from Kensal High School in 1938. That fall, she continued her education as a student at the college of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn. She majored in Home Economics Education and minored in music, graduating in 1942. Catherine began her teaching career in Roslyn, S.D., where she taught for two years and continued teaching for another year in Courtenay, N.D.

She married John Palmer on June 15, 1944 at St. John's Catholic Church in Kensal, N.D. Susan, Connie and Dennis were born while they resided in Courtenay, N.D. In 1953, the family moved to Carrington, N.D., where they owned and operated Palmer Plumbing and Heating for 30 years. In 1982, Catherine became the manager of Carrington Homes.

Catherine's love for music began early in her life. She started playing the organ at the age of 12 in Kensal at the St. John's Catholic Church. Catherine continued her dedication to the music ministry by playing the organ at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, beginning in 1954 and continuing for almost 60 years. In 2004, she celebrated a personal milestone of playing the organ at Christmas Mass consecutively for 50 years.

Catherine was also an accomplished seamstress. As a young girl, she sewed for her siblings, many times remaking garments to create something new.

Catherine was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Alter Society. She served as President of the Women's Auxiliary for the N.D. Plumbing Association. She also served as secretary for the Carrington G.F.W.C. Women's Literary Club and Treasurer for P.T.A. She was a proud member of the N.D. Whopper Club, which indicates the walleye she caught was eight pounds or better.

Catherine is survived by her two daughters, Susan (Darrell) Wolsky, Carrington, N.D. and Connie (Gary) Diekow, Coon Rapids, Minn.; daughter-in-law, Joyce (Lynn) Overboe, Kindred, N.D.; eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John of 58 years, son Dennis, four sisters and one brother.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, N.D.