Kenneth James Palm, 100, of Turlock, California passed away on January 12, 2026. Ken was born on October 11, 1925 to Alfred Palm and Sigrid Marie Jakobsson in Wausa, Nebraska. Ken attended high school in Illinois and attended Northwestern and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign earning a degree in chemistry on the GI Bill after World War II where he served honorably as a PFC in the 103rd Infantry Division of the Army, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star during his service.
Ken worked as a chemist in the food industry in Chicago until he was transferred by his employer to Southern California in 1967 where he worked until his retirement. After he retired, Ken and Doris moved from La Habra, California to Turlock and he joined the maintenance staff at the Evangelical Free Church of Turlock (now Crossroads Church).
Ken enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking his famous Swedish meatballs and Swedish pancakes, volunteering to teach Sunday School, serving as an Awana Sparks leader at the Evangelical Free Church of Turlock, working as a handyman, cheering for the Chicago Cubs, playing Scrabble and solving crossword puzzles. He is remembered for his love for the Lord, his kindness, service for others, quiet wisdom, and generosity.
Ken is preceded in death by his wife Doris Marie Palm (2019) and survived by his children, Marti Chance (Tom Chance), David Palm (Rachelle Axelson Palm), and Curt Palm (Nancy Altman Palm), and his twin brother Keith Palm of Hixson, Tennessee. His grandchildren Amy Chance, Ben Palm, Karen Chance, Sarah Craig, Melinda Chance, Aaron Palm, Renae Chance-Dominguez, Ethan Palm, and Hannah Chance. His great-grandchildren Jeremy, Brodie, Finley, Nathan, Noah, Amos, Piper, Malachi, Penelope, Alissa, and Miles.
Viewing at Allen Mortuary on Saturday, January 24th from 4-6pm in Turlock, California. Military service and internment at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
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