John Philip Palmquist, age 88, of Stanton, Iowa, entered his eternal rest on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at his home. John was born on September 27, 1937, in Red Oak, Iowa, the son of Elder and Ruth (Johnson) Palmquist. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Stanton, Iowa. He attended country school and graduated from Red Oak High School in the class of 1956. John met the love of his life, Charlotte Ann Ebert, and they were married on May 31, 1959, at the Red Oak Presbyterian Church. John and Charlotte moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where John worked as a cabinet maker. They started their family before moving to Lincoln, where John worked in a woodworking shop. In March of 1963, the family moved to their current home where they farmed and raised their family. They had sheep, cattle, hogs, Christmas Trees and horses, which they enjoyed riding. John farmed for twenty years then did carpentry work for the Do It Center in Red Oak. In 1982, John opened Tarkio Valley Sawmill.

John was a lifelong learner who studied archaeology, geology, and anthropology. He had a vast collection of artifacts that were collected throughout the years, which he donated to the University of Iowa. He also embraced Native American spirituality and was an honorary member of the Ioway Tribe of Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. He was an accomplished woodworker and was also known for making tipis.

Preceding him in death were his parents; son: Philip Palmquist; and brothers: Donald Palmquist (Jean) and James Palmquist (June). Survivors include his wife: Charlotte of Stanton, Iowa; children: Mark Palmquist and wife Kathy; Beth Russell and husband Alan; and Becky Hogberg and husband Greg all of Red Oak, IA; 8 grandchildren: Kari Confer and husband Matt of Red Oak, IA; Lisa Sundermann and husband Ryan of Red Oak, IA; Andrew Palmquist and fiance Hailey of Red Oak, IA; Justin Russell and wife Amanda of Stanton, IA; Aaron Russell and wife Hannah of Cumming, IA; Nick Hogberg and wife Melissa of Casper, WY; Molly Gray and husband Ryan of Red Oak, IA; and Amelia Palmquist (Kip Fladland) of Bozeman, MT; 11 great grandchildren: Noah and Addison Confer; Raelin, Clara, and Lainey Sundermann; Wrenley and Wyatt Palmquist; Oliver and Lilyanna Russell; Everett Hogberg; and Collin Gray; brother-in-law: Harlan Ebert of Red Oak, IA; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.