Randy James Palmer

Randy James Palmer of Rush Point, MN passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 25, 2015 while tubing down the St. Croix River. Randy was born December 10, 1962 in St. Croix Falls, WI to James & Kathleen (Anderson) Palmer. He was the oldest of two children. He lived in Center City until he was 8 when his family bought Long Lake Lodge and moved Grand Rapids. From the time he was 12 years old Randy spent time between Grand Rapids, North Branch, and Arizona before returning to Minnesota for good when he was 17. When he returned to Minnesota he started school at Dunwoody and obtained his degree in tap and die and then began working. He worked for Royal Concrete for many years. When Randy was 40 he met his longtime girlfriend and love Diane Gaines. They went on a date and were together ever since. They moved to Stanchfield four years ago. He got happiness out of home ownership and country living even if it wasn't always easy. Randy loved the outdoors. He often talked about his years as a kid spent trapping and riding dirt bikes. When his daughter was young they spent weekends camping, tubing down the sunrise river, hiking, and fishing. He also loved to ride motorcycles. Randy cherished his family and friends. He got joy out of helping others. The most important things in his life were "his girls" his daughter, granddaughter, girlfriend, sister, his mother, and his grandmother. Randy is survived by his daughter Jessica Palmer, granddaughter Alexa DeFilippo, fiancé Diane Gaines, sister Lisa Harter, uncle Buddy Anderson and wife Betty, and others including James Harter, James and Joseph Qualley, and Nicholas Gaines. Randy was preceded in death by his father James Palmer, mother Kathleen (Anderson) Andrews, step father Wally Spengle, grandparents Lee and Marion Johnson, grandparents Roy and Eva Anderson. and many beloved friends Pastor Keith Kolzow will officiate a celebration of Randy’s life, 3:00 PM Friday (8/7/2015) at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rush Point. Friends may gather one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral arrangements for Randy Palmer of Rush Point are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com