Gary L. Palmquist

Gary Palmquist of Cambridge passed away on Saturday October 11th 2025 at his home surrounded by family.

 Gary was born on May 26th, 1944 in Duluth Minnesota to Andrew and Lily (Thompson) Palmquist. The family moved around when he was young before ultimately settling in Cambridge Minnesota in 1953. Gary was the eldest of three boys and was known for getting up to mischief.

He attended Cambridge High School and it was there that he met his future wife, Janet Olson. During their senior year the two sat next to each other in every class and began seeing each other shortly after graduation. They had two children together and they were the pride of Gary’s life.

Gary had many different jobs over the years. He was a man who loved to experience everything that life had to offer and was never one to turn down a new challenge. He worked as a painter, did construction, managed Sidelines, drove a bus, and delivered flowers, to name a few.

Gary’s hobbies were as varied as his jobs. He loved to travel, going on many road trips around the country as well as trips to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Gary was known to play every sport and game one could possibly name. He was a competitive man and known to remember every game he’d ever played going back to elementary school. He liked to study old card hands from games he’d played to improve on his skills for the next time.

Everyone who knew Gary had at least one story of an unpredictable adventure he went on. He lived life vibrantly and was full of joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dwight Palmquist of the Philippines.

Gary is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet of Cambridge, his daughter Diane Palmquist of Brooklyn, NY, son Andy (Becky) Palmquist of Apple Valley, grandson Dolph (Emily) Dahlgren of Delano, granddaughter Natasha Root of St. Louis Park, and brother David (Sheryl) Palmquist of Orlando, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Children’s Cancer Research Fund in Gary’s honor. childrenscancer.org

Celebration of Life Gathering 4-7PM, Friday, October 24, 2025 at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home.

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