Stephen Paul Palmquist

Northview-North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, MN 56003
(507) 388-2288

Stephen P. (Steve) Palmquist of Mankato, Minnesota died unexpectedly on December 7, 2015 as a result of an accident at his beloved cabin on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 19, 1942, Steve passed on to eternal life at the age of 73. A successful businessman, loving family man, loyal friend, splendid photographer and lover of the magnificent Minnesota North Shore - Steve led a happy, joyful and fulfilling life.  

Steve received his high school degree from Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls where he was a leader in creating and playing on the University's first hockey team.  

His career in business began with Phillips Petroleum and evolved to being the owner of Key City Oil Company and Oasis Truck Stop in Mankato for many years. During this time he also became a co-owner of Nor Lakes Services in Hugo, Minnesota. Steve was a member of the Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association. He was on the Board of Directors for many years and served a term as its president.  

While Steve thoroughly enjoyed his business career, his greatest passion was adventuring throughout the Superior National Forest and the North Shore of Minnesota and his greatest love was his family and friends. "Of all the places in the world he could be, it was that little red cabin on the big blue waters of Lake Superior that held his heart and where he was the happiest with his family and friends," said Bev Palmquist, Steve's wife of 48 years. "It is there that he would laugh, tell stories, marvel at the lake’s beauty, and cook scrumptious cabin meals that we will remember forever."  

Photography was Steve's lifelong avocation and he beautifully captured the scenes of his adventures on the North Shore, weddings, birthdays, and holiday celebrations all of which remain as treasures for his family and friends.

Steve loved making friends and once a friendship was made he was loyal for life and always present to them in times of happiness and in times of need or trouble. A friend of Steve wrote a tribute to him that beautifully captures his essence. "Steve was the most amazing man, so generous of heart and spirit, always exuding joy and bringing everyone along on the happy train."  

Steve took enormous pride in his children and gave a special kind of love and joy to all his grandchildren. "He was an amazing Papa to his grandchildren, using teachable moments to give them advice for life, taking them shopping and to ball games, showing them his beloved North Shore and even tagging along on a first date," said Steve's daughter Kristin Palmquist. "With all his heart he embraced and loved every one of those kids."  

Steve loved animals and always had a dog by his side that resulted in thousands of long happy dog walks. "He was like a dog whisperer, he loved his dogs and there wasn't a dog that didn't love him back," said Steve's son Michael Palmquist.  

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Marion Palmquist and his father-in-law Earl Nelson. He is survived and sorely missed by his wife and best friend, Bev Palmquist; his children, Kristin Palmquist (Tom Giles) and Michael Palmquist (Maia Aarsheim); his grandchildren, Gus, Else, Mina, Mette, Jake and Henry; his brother, James Palmquist, MD (Mary); his sister, DeeDee Forehand (Scott); his brother-in-laws, Doug Nelson, Dwight Nelson (Mary Jo); his mother-in-law, Helen Nelson; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends; and most certainly by his faithful dog Fletcher.  

A memorial service for Steve will be held on Monday, December 14 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 222 Pfau Street in Mankato. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. The family requests that instead of flowers memorial donations be made to Steve's favorite places: Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society, Mankato, Minnesota; Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland, Minnesota; North House Folk School, Grand Marais, Minnesota. Northview – North Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.