Palmer Alvin Fossum was born November 17, 1927 , at his mother's home place in Wheatland Township , Rice County , Minnesota , to Bennie and Bertha (Paulsen) Fossum.
He was baptized and confirmed at Trondhjem Lutheran Church in Lonsdale and was raised on a farm West of Trondhjem Church in Forest Township .
He attended District 107 county school near Trondhjem Church and graduated from Northfield High School in 1946.

After his education he worked on the farm until he was drafted into the US Army in May 1954. Following basic training he returned on furlough and married Harriet Jorgensen on July 31, 1954 at Farmington Lutheran Church . Shortly after marriage he left for Korea where he worked as a mechanic supervisor in the motor pool. Following his discharge they lived a year in Farmington . Harriet's family then sold their farm and Palmer and Harriet took over the Fossum Farm at Lonsdale.

In 1964 they bought their current farm just east of Northfield . Together they farmed and milked cows, and in 1980, Palmer started his career with small Ford tractors, something he is well know for and has made him friends around the world. The Ford tractors became more than just a career - he loved what he did and was always willing to share his knowledge with anyone who asked or called. Although somewhat retired, he was still working until his health failed just a few weeks ago.

Palmer was a longtime member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church , the Rice County Steam and Gas Club, Rice County Shipper's Association, the Farmers Union, and as director emeritus for the National Ford Tractor Collectors Club. Palmer enjoyed animals and his Lutefisk.
He was honest, fair, and had a good sense of humor. His family and friends were of greatest importance to him, and he took great pride in his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Harriet; 5 children: Carmen and husband Norman Sevcik, Loren and wife Anne, Layton and wife Lynn, Lowell and wife Loretta, Charlene Hamblin, all of Northfield; 8 grandchildren: Jeremy and Scott Sevcik, Lisa Skluzacek, Ben, Ashley, Justine and Miranda Fossum, Ethan Hamblin; 6 great-grandchildren: Tyler, Brookelyn, and Tanner Skluzacek, Courtney, Jacob and Madyson Sevcik; and other relatives and friends.

Palmer passed away Friday Morning, December 14, 2007 , at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness, at the age of 80.

Funeral services will be 11AM Wednesday, December 19, 2007 , at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Northfield with Rev. Craig Ellingboe officiating. Music will be provided by Donna Paulsen & Barb Moore. Interment with Military Honors will be in Oaklawn Cemetery . Casket bearers will be Dan Coffman, Kevin Fossum, Robert Ohmann, Erling Halverson, Chris Peterson and Richard Volkert. Honorary casket bearers will be Doug Fossum, Keith Kvistad, Roger Paulsen, Milo Quinnell, Richard Reller and Frank Skluzacek. Visitation will be 4-8PM Tuesday, December 18, 2007at St. Peter's Lutheran Church and will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the funeral.

Memorials are preferred to the Trondjhem Community Preservation Society, the Rice County Gas & Steam Club, or St. Peter's Lutheran Church .

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.