David Shute Palmstrom

1924 - 2014

David Shute Palmstrom

David Shute Palmstrom, 90, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2014.

David (Dave) was born on January 8, 1924 in Needham, Mass. to his parents, Margaret Shute Palmstrom and Phillip. O. Palmstrom. He graduated from Middlebury College and the Medical College of Virginia. David served as a Captain in the Army Medical Corps in Germany. He completed his residency at Akron City Hospital and opened his family medical practice in Ravenna in 1953.

David is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Jane (Robertson) Palmstrom; his daughters, Linda Palmstrom, Margaret (Paul) Reese, Mary Palmstrom and Nancy (Lisa) Palmstrom; grandchildren, Susan Tussing and Andy (Chris) Tussing; his "other kids", Tom Svoboda and Arlyce Deeter; his best friend and brother, Bill (Pat) Palmstrom; his cousin, Alan (Maxine) Shute; and numerous nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his son, John and his brother, Norm.

This soft-spoken, gentle, caring family doctor was dedicated to serving the needs of his patients and his community; he was affiliated with Robinson Memorial Hospital, served as President of Medical staff and as Medical Director and Vice-President for Medical Affairs. David was an active member of First Congregational Church of Ravenna. He played a key role in Habitat for Humanity of Portage County serving as executive director and helping build houses with partner families. David was an active member in PFLAG, served on the boards for Happy Day School, Ravenna Visiting Nurse Association, and as volunteer Medical Director of Portage County Hospice. He was Team Doctor for the Ravenna Ravens' football team for 20 years; received the Raven Award (Ravenna High School Hall of Fame) and was Grand Marshall for the Balloon-A-Fair. In addition, he was a host dad to three AFS students.

Calling hours will be held at the First Congregational Church of Ravenna from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2014 and from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2014. Services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 266 South Chestnut Street, Ravenna, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to First Congregational Church of Ravenna or to Habitat for Humanity of Portage County, P.O. Box 306, Ravenna, OH 44266. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared at http://www.sscfuneralhomes.com/.