Elaine Palmer, 101, of Williston, ND passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Home in Williston, ND.

Elaine Virginia (Freemore) Palmer was born at home in Tomah, Wisconsin on June 1, 1923. She was the first child of Sarah Heda (Sadie) Winchel Freemore and Delbert Freemore. Elaine loved to share stories about growing up on the south 40. She told of going to school on a one-horse open sleigh and living in the one room house where her mom made sunshine jam on the roof. Her parents were from very humble beginnings but always provided for Elaine and her brother Del. Elaine was taught her wonderful cooking skills by her mom Sadie. She had an amazing work ethic throughout her life. Elaine met her husband John Robert (Bob) Palmer when his dad and he arrived in Tomah for a horse sale. They looked for a place to stay and Elaine’s parents graciously offered their home. Elaine wasn’t very happy to hear about the extra guests and cooking that would be required. When Bob arrived that evening, Elaine would always say it was truly love at first sight. Elaine graduated from Tomah High School and was married on June 1, 1941 which was her 18th birthday. She and Bob started off their married life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was an amazing adventure and Elaine loved the big city. She took secretarial and business classes in early married life. Elaine and Bob moved out to Sidney, MT. to be close to the ranch where Bob grew up. Later they moved to Williston, ND where Bob and Elaine founded Palmer Industries. Bob took care of the welding / and manufacturing part and Elaine took care of all of the office work. Elaine would always say she was going downstairs to the office to start her second shift (in the evenings after her family was taken care of). She continued to do the office work well into her 80’s for the business even after Bob passed away. She loved “bookwork” and accounting. Elaine and Bob were especially proud to be able to put all six of their children through college. They were unable to attend themselves and were firm believers in all types of education. Elaine enjoyed traveling and was able to go to many places with friends and family. Some of her favorite memories were snorkeling in Hawaii, going on a cruise, and traveling to the eastern states with her cousin. She was an avid flower and vegetable gardener. Even in later years (in her late 90’s) she could be observed outside with her walker doing “garden” work. Elaine was famous for her scratch chocolate cake with homemade fudge frosting. Many tried to duplicate it, but just never had the touch. Elaine took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to visit with them whether on the phone, facetime, or in person. If she was having a pain filled day, a visit with those grandchildren always put a smile on her face. She was especially excited when she was a great-grandma to twins and triplets. Elaine was an avid Green Bay Packers Fan and lover of NBA basketball. She was always cheering on her favorite team and players. She would always “gear up” from head to toe for her Packers. December in 2024 brought a gift box from her Packers which included a wonderful personal letter celebrating her as a fan and her upcoming birthday. She really treasured that letter and Packers treasures.

Elaine is survived by her children, Judy (Milt) Schenstad, JoAnn (Dean) Hornbacher, Richard (Angela) Palmer, Jeanne (Kirk) Kennedy, Michael (Sonia) Palmer and Janet Palmer, along with Julie (Jeff) Keller, daughter of her heart; grandchildren, Sheri (Bob) Hatten, Steven (Thea) Hornbacher, Michelle (Bill) Verkuilen, Katherine Hornbacher, Ty (Natascha Bach) Palmer, Ben Palmer, Tessa (Abe) Rumsey, Sara Palmer, Kara (Derek) Kennedy, Kelly (Kyle) Kennedy Fjerstad, Vanessa (Derrick) Palmer, Brittany (Steven) Patrick, Mandy (Daniel) Billings, Katie (JJ) Gowan; great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Kendall, Olivia, Brekken, Hadley, Emma, Connor, Adam, Adexa, Lauren, Izack, Kayne, Ramona, Dylan, Morgan, Jax, Sigrid, Myer, Luca, Beck, and Ragnar, along with Max and Tae (grandchildren of her heart).

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sadie and Bert Freemore; brother, Del Freemore. The love of her life was her husband, Bob Palmer; sister-in-law, Margie Freemore; niece, Florence Goebel.