Funeral services will be held at10:00 AM Saturday, December 15, 2007 at Ekelund Lutheran Church, Goodridge, MN with Rev. Robert Dahlen officiating. Burial will follow in the Ekelund Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday, December 14, 2007 at Ekelund Lutheran Church, Goodridge, MN with a 7:00 PM prayer service. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Palmer Conrad Lovly was born July 10, 1917 on the family farm which his father homesteaded in 1904 in Goodridge Township, Pennington County, MN. He is the son of Peter and Caroline (Gandrud) Lovly. He was baptized on September 9, 1917 and later confirmed by Rev. O. Bjorgan into the Lutheran faith.

He attended school in Goodridge traveling by horse and cutter; his toes were kept warm by pre-heated stones. He was a member of the Boy Scouts and delivered the Grit magazine by horseback. During the depression, Palmer found farm work in western Minnesota and North Dakota. As a young man he worked along side his father to improve the farmstead. Over the years he took pride in keeping a well groomed farm site and in 2006 he celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the family farm.

Palmer met Irene Hassel while she was working in the Goodridge Caf and the couple eventually was married on February 15, 1941 at the parsonage of Rev. O. Bjorgan in Goodridge. The couple made their home on the Lovly family farm. Peter died in 1945 and then Palmer took over the family farm where he farmed small grains and had dairy cattle. He especially enjoyed horses and had several over the years, but the team of Dick and Dan remained his favorite. He always had a dog by his side, drove a Ford and Sunday was set aside as a day of rest.

Palmer enjoyed his farm and all the outdoors had to offer, especially summer and winter fishing. He was an avid reader of current events and loved a good western. He and Irene spent countless hours putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and board games.

Palmer was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. He was always quick to help a neighbor in need and worked hard to improve his church and community. He served as a 4-H leader, was on the Goodridge Creamery Board, the Goodridge Township Board, and was a lifetime member of the Ekelund Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He drove school bus for 10 years and in 1998 was recognized by the Goodridge Historical Society for his dedication and contributions to the history of his community.

Survivors include his wife of over 66 years, Irene of Goodridge, MN; 3 children, Carol (Iver) Iverson of Bemidji, MN, Diane (Richard) Saurdiff of Warroad, MN, and John (Carol) Lovly of Goodridge, MN; 9 grandchildren, Robert (Tammy) Iverson, Linda (Jim) Autrey, Carrie (Lonnie Herr) Saurdiff, Corwin Saurdiff, Michael (Audra) Lovly, David Lovly, Jake Nelson, Jessie Nelson and Jenny Nelson; 8 great grandchildren, Tucker Iverson, Matthew and Ryan Petersen, Griffin Herr, Paige Saurdiff, Hannah Lovly, Caitlyn Aune and Sawyer Jacobson; niece, Donna (Richard) Lian of Warroad, MN; nephew, David (Diane) Schlofer of Lakeville, MN; he is also survived by many relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosella Schlofer; brothers-in-law, Joe Schlofer, Milo, Lloyd and Sigvald Hassel.

Palmer Lovly died Tuesday, December 11, 2007 on the family farm at the age of 90 years, 5 months and 1 day. May his memory be blessed.

Soloist: Rachel Hanson
Accompanist: Tanya Kotrba
Selections: Borning Cry &
Congregational Hymns: Day By Day & Amazing Grace
Pallbearers: Palmers Grandchildren
Honorary Pallbearers: Palmers neighbors & friends