Marlys Annette Palmer

Marlys A. Palmer 81, of Cambridge was called to heaven on Thursday, September 26, 2019.

            Marlys was born in Graceville, MN to Marvin A. and Arleta M. (Tiggeman) Olson on August 11, 1938.  She was confirmed at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church on March 29, 1953 and graduated from Graceville High School.  She then attended Moorhead University for two years.  During this time, Marlys greatly enjoyed being on the debate team, which may have attributed to her enjoyment of lively conversation and her ability to speak in public with ease and eloquence.

            She was united in marriage to Hazen J. “Red” Palmer on April 7, 1958 and to this union two daughters Kimberly and Rebecca were born.  She and Red moved to Cambridge in 1962 after he attended trade school for Electronics and Refrigeration.  Red and Marlys purchased Lindberg TV & Appliance in 1970.  That was the start of a successful business anchor in the Cambridge community for 45 years.  Marlys was the #1 salesperson at Red’s TV and Appliance.  Fast forward 25 years, and Marlys, at the age of 60 decided to run for mayor.  She was the first female mayor of Cambridge.  Her 20 years of public service began January 1998.  Her passion for Cambridge, the citizens and her love of public service speaks for itself.  She was encouraged several times to run for the MN Legislature, and would always say “Oh, if I was only 20 years younger!”

            Marlys committed many years of service to animal welfare, both on the local level with the Isanti County Humane Society and on the state level working on improving animal welfare laws.  She also enjoyed reading, antiquing jaunts with friends, going to the casino, loving on her pets- especially her cat Peg and grand-cat Lula.  She also enjoyed her many years of the Birthday Club, having coffee with friends, dinner with her lady mayor friends, and watching the Twins and Vikings with Red.

            She was preceded in death by her parents, many beloved family and friends.  Marlys is survived by her loving husband of 61 years Red, two daughters Kimberly and Rebecca, all of Cambridge, sisters Phillys Klapprodt of Arlington, SD, June Ward of Brooklyn Center, MN, and Sherry Duin of Palm City, FL, many nieces and nephews including two godchildren Sheila Reynolds and Jessica Lee Ward, other family and friends.

            Marlys’ family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the Cambridge Police, EMT and Emergency Room staff, as well as staff at Mercy Hospital.  Special thanks to Pastor Bill Berg who spent Marlys’ last hours with her and the immediate family.

            A Memorial Service will be held at 4PM, Saturday, October 12, 2019 at New Hope Community Church in Cambridge with Pastor Berg officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Lunch to follow.

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