Loran A. Palmer

Loran A. Palmer, 81, of Wahpeton, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at his home surrounded by family and under the care of CHI Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Mooreton, ND beginning at 11 AM. Visitation will be held Monday, October 28, 2024, from 5-7 PM, with a Rosary taking place at 6:30 PM, at the church. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial. Father Michael Hickin will officiate. 

Loran Anthony Palmer was born September 6, 1943, in Jamestown, ND to Carl and Elva (Backer) Palmer. He was raised on his parent's farm and graduated from Courtenay Public Schools in 1961. He enlisted in the Air Force after high school and was stationed in South Dakota, Montana, and Okinawa before his Honorable Discharge in 1965. In 1966, he enrolled in the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning course at North Dakota State School of Science. While at Science School he helped start the Vets Club and was the Vice Commander. He was also President of the Rifle and Pistol Club, for which he started, as well as President of the Student Council and Student Chairman of the stadium fundraiser. During the school year of 1967-68 he received Outstanding Student of the Year award. 

On June 1, 1968, he married Janet Oie in Wahpeton, ND. Their union brought three wonderful children into the world: Steven (Julie) Palmer, Connie Pekerak and Dawn Brehmer. 

After his marriage Loran was a charter member of the North Dakota Muzzleloader Club and was State Rifle and Pistol Champion. Between 1968 and 1970 he worked for Mechanical Engineering firms until 1970 when he started work for a number of sheet metal and air conditioning firms. In 1972 until 1976 he was an instructor at the North Dakota State School of Science in the Heating and Cooling Equipment course. In 1976 until his retirement in 2004 he was a service technician in the heating and cooling field. 

In 1978 Loran joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in the Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration field. His 15-day tours of duty were served in the United Stated and overseas. He was activated for Desert Storm and retired as Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) after 24 years of service. 

Loran loved the outdoors and was a member of the Cass County Wildlife Club where he held chairmanships on many committees and offices. In his 20 years as a Hunters Education Instructor, he taught many youth the same respect and love he had for the outdoors. In 2004, he was appointed to the North Dakota Game and Fish Advisory Board for District 5 and served in that position until 2013. He was also a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and North American Hunting Club. 

In October of 2012, Loran married Dori Dufault in Wahpeton, ND and moved home in the country where he and Dori had plenty of room to practice shooting, time for hunting and fishing, travelling and enjoying retired life. 

Loran loved to hunt, fish and respected and loved all wildlife. He understood that hunting was the best management tool for the preservation of all wildlife. Some of the best times he had hunting or fishing was when it was shared with his family or friends or his faithful Springer Spaniels. 

The greatest loves in his life were Dori and his children; Steve (Julie) Palmer, Connie Pekerak, and Dawn Brehmer. His stepchildren; Charlene Berke, Patrick Dufault, Christine Bischoff, David Dufault; 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. 

Loran was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Elva Palmer, an infant sister Darlene, a brother Leonard, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. 

May he rest eternally in peace.