Palmer B. Rurup

Palmer B. Rurup, 88, of Humboldt, passed away June 29, 2015 at the University of Iowa Hospitals. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Humboldt. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt. Adams American Legion Post 119 and Sathers-Odgaard VFW Post 5240 will perform military Rites.

Mr. Rurup is survived by his wife, Margie Martin of Humboldt; children, Col. David (Maudie) Rurup of Troy, TX, Daniel Rurup of Gowrie, Jerry (Avon) Rurup of Titonka, Bobbi Jo (Tom) Holtz of Waseca, MN, Brian (Michelle) Rurup of Hannaford, ND; Step family, Barbara (Joe) Barnhill of Dallas, TX, Patrick (Linda) Martin of Des Moines, Sherry (Gary) Myers of Humboldt, and Kelly Martin of Des Moines; 21 grandchildren; 7 step grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 7 step great grandchildren; brother, Bob (Donna) Rurup of Hankinson, ND; and sisters, Gladys Nelson of Fargo, ND, Dorothy Weishaar of Algona, and Katherine Stanger of LeRoy, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Janet Rurup; brothers, Ivan, Francis, Ervin, and John; and sisters, Marcella and Jean.

Palmer Boyd Rurup, the son of Broder and Bessie (Everetts) Rurup, was born July 22, 1926 at Colfax, North Dakota. He was raised in the Colfax area and following his education went to work for the railroad. At the age of 18, Palmer was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Philippines during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, Palmer began farming with his brother-in-law, Frank Stanger near Titonka. He married Marjorie Schmidt with whom he had four children. He then married Diane Roeglin and had three children. Throughout his working life, Palmer farmed, operated a filling station in Blue Earth, Minnesota, and worked for the Sexton Elevator. On October 19, 2008, he was united in marriage to Margie Martin and the couple made their home in Humboldt.
Palmer enjoyed stock car racing, dancing, especially polka dancing with Margie, and spending his winters in Arizona. He enjoyed watching boxing on TV and boxed during the war, winning a championship bout and a trip to New York. Palmer took great pride in his participation in the Honor Flight of May 11, 2013.