Kathryn Palm

KATHRYN V. (ERICKSON) PALM ROCKFORD - Kathryn V. (Erickson) Palm, of Rockford, died Monday, Feb., 11, 2013, in Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. She was born Dec. 27, 1923, in Rockford to Thorsten H. and Myrtle (Turnquist) Erickson. Kathryn "Katie" was a 1942 graduate of East High School and attended Wheaton College and DePauw University. On July 10, 1945, she and her sister, Marilyn (Mary) Erickson married their childhood sweethearts and next-door neighbors, John and Jim Palm (identical twins), in a double wedding at First Evangelical Free Church. Katie was an active member of Bethesda Covenant Church where she volunteered in the Cradle Roll (nursery). She was also a Sunday school teacher, participated in Kathryn's Circle and led a woman's Bible study. She was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority, Forest Hills Country Club and Innisbrook Country Club. Katie and her husband, John, were active in Young Life for many years hosting the high school youth and serving on the local board. For 18 years, Katie did the window displays at their family business, the Last Straw Ice Cream Parlor and Family Restaurant. She will be remembered for her lasting love and devotion to her husband, John, their three daughters, Carol, Ginger and Nancy, and her Christian faith in the Lord. Katie was a loving, kind, thoughtful and gracious lady who blessed those around her. She enjoyed being a homemaker, sewing for her daughters, flower gardening, golfing, cross-country skiing, bowling with her church league, playing the piano and singing hymns. She was very creative in her college design classes and decorating the home which included sculpting clay figures and paintings. Katie was a very loving mother and wife who enjoyed time with her family. She had a special friendship with her sister, Mary, brother-in-law Jim, and their children whom she was like a second mom. Katie enjoyed her lifelong friends at Bethesda with whom she traveled in the United States and Israel. She visited the Scandinavian countries with John and family to learn more about their Swedish heritage. As a competitive golfer, she played golf with Mary, Jim and John and participated in local golf tournaments. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John R. Palm; daughters, Ginger (Steve) Stroup of Rockford and Nancy (Don) Marley of Rogers, Ark.; grandchildren, Jared (Jill C.) Marley, Laura Marley, Daniel (Amanda) Marley, Jill (Marco) Marley-Berry, Mark (Ashley) Stroup, Chris (Amy) Stroup and Paul (Erin) Stroup; seven great-grandchildren, Micah, Ellie, Livia, Isaac and Calvin Palm Stroup, Kate and Jett Marley; sisters-in-law, Barbara Erickson and Evelyn Palm. She is predeceased by parents; daughter, Carol Palm; sister Marilyn Palm; brother Karl Erickson; brothers-in-law, Floyd R. Palm and James M. Palm. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center for their loving and kind care to Katie. Funeral service at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 18, in Bethesda Covenant Church, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.; Pastor David Lindfors will officiate. Private burial in Arlington Memorial Park. A memorial donation in Kathryn Palm's memory would be welcomed to any of the following organizations, Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104, Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center, 3470 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61114 or Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Drive, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.