Born April 13 , 1923 in Grand Forks , North Dakota to parents , Claude Palmer & Agnes ( Scott) Palmer. Graduated Aitkins, Mn., High School in 1941 and attended Miller Vocational School, Telegraph operator Mpls . Mn . 8 months Richard served in the U.S. Army from March 1943 until January 1946. Took part in battles in Northern France , Ardens , and Rhineland . Served in European ,African & Middle East Theaters . Earned medals in riffle carbine MKM and good conduct medal . Received letter of appreciation from President Truman . He received his Honorable Discharge as a Tec-5 January 15, 1946 . Married the love of his life Audrey Hentgen on November 24, 1946 . They were blessed with 71 years together . Richard worked as an agent telegrapher for the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern Railroad for 41 years . He retired in March 1983. He was a life member of the VFW and Masons. He was a mason over 60 years . Was a member of the Methodist Church . Richard is preceded in death by his parents Claude and Agnes Palmer, wife Audrey who passed away on March 13 , 2018 and daughter Marlys Freed who passed away in 2009 , He is survived by two sons Richard ( Karen) and Robert ( Debbie ) Palmer , six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.