William Palma, 84, died on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at MeritCare Medical Center, Fargo, ND.
William "Bill" Palma was born May 6, 1923, in New York, NY, where he was raised and graduated from high school. Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corp and was stationed in Moorhead when he met his future wife, Elizabeth Christenson, at the Moorhead Teachers College Glee Club.
After his discharge, they were married on August 1, 1947, and made their home in Moorhead. Bill worked as a diesel mechanic for International Harvester, eventually becoming the local shop foreman and then the regional service manager. After his retirement, he privately owned a general maintenance/lawn care service business.
On September 13, 2000, Elizabeth died, and Bill continued to make his home in Moorhead.
He was a self-taught caner of restored wicker furniture. Bill was active in city politics and served as a Moorhead City Alderman, on the Moorhead Park Board, and the Moorhead Charter Commission.
A long-time member of Grace United Methodist Church, Bill was actively involved as a trustee, former financial director and Sunday school teacher. He often talked of his love to teach the children. Scouting was another one of his loves. He traveled home
Bill also enjoyed spending time with family at the lake cabin on Big Floyd Lake, where he also served as Beach Captain. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special spot in his heart and he loved to make them things or cook pizza.
He is lovingly survived by his children, Luann (Del) Larson, Moorhead, Bob (Mary) Palma, Moorhead, and Bruce (Lisa Miller) Palma, Bloomington, MN; eight grandchildren, Don and Amanda Larson, Heidi (James) Nyberg, Rebekah, Joshua, Rachel, Jared, and Faith
The Memorial Service for Bill will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2008, at 3 PM in Grace United Methodist Church, Moorhead.