Thomas Raymond Palmer, age 61 of Minneapolis formerly of Redwood Falls, passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018 in Waconia after an extended battle with cancer.  Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 6 at First United Methodist Church in Redwood Falls.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday prior to the service at church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Movember Foundation, a men’s health initiative.  https://mobro.co/13975616?mc=1.  Allina Hospice and Redwood Falls United Methodist Church are also accepting donations in Tom’s name. Interment will be at the Redwood Falls Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Thomas Raymond Palmer was born May 6, 1957 to Robert and Hazel (Smith) Palmer in Hastings, Minnesota.  He was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Redwood Falls.  In 1975, Tom graduated from Redwood Falls High School.   He continued his education at St. Cloud Technical School and graduated with a Culinary Arts Degree.  Tom worked for Redwood County Highway Department and Control Data.  His life’s work was in Minneapolis, where he was a chef at several restaurants and catering companies.  He loved storytelling, visiting and spending time with friends.  Tom’s great sense of humor and mind for trivia delighted all who knew him.  Watching old movies and sports, especially football, golf and hockey, brought him much joy.   After Tom was in need of hospice care, Stephanie Klaseus, Tom’s life-long friend, insisted upon caring for him, and brought him into the home of Sandie and Verne Klaseus. The Klaseuses were a second family, having spent many days fishing, floating and enjoying great home cooked meals together on Burandt Lake. Tom was master of sauces and soups, and a keen critic of foods.  Anyone who’s had the pleasure of cooking for Tom will attest to this.

Thomas is survived by his mother Hazel Palmer of Redwood Falls; siblings: Mark (Susan Lawlor) Palmer of Burlington, VT, Stephen Palmer of North St. Paul and David (Christine) Palmer of Wabasso; nieces: Hannah, Bonnie, Emily and Danielle; nephew: James; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father Robert, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.