Funeral Service for Norma J. Palmer, 89, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church,  Sisseton, SD with Cheryl Jenner CRE officiating. Organist will be Ember Dady.  Pallbearers will be Garrett Clancy, Kyle Robinson, Chad Robinson, Brady VanderLeest, Austin Knutson, Wyatt Hatter, Cody Schultz and Webster Lembke. Honorary Pallbearers will be Norma's granddaughters, Brianne VanderLeest, Erin Knutson, Kate Hatter, Karla Schultz and Karyn Lembke.  There will be visitation on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.  Burial will be on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, Huron, SD. There will be visitation one hour prior to funeral service at the Church.   The Cahill Funeral Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Norma Jean (Cockrell) Palmer, 89, died Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Tekakwitha Living Center, Sisseton, SD.  She was born to Harry Ivan Cockrell and Elsie Elizabeth Bertha (Kissner) Cockrell in Redfield, Spink County, SD.  Norma graduated high school at Tulare, SD  in 1952.  She married Leon Laverne Palmer on May 15, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Tulare, SD.  To this union three daughters and one son were born.  The couple resided in Huron, SD until Leon entered the Army in 1954, during the Korean Conflict, where he was stationed in a foreign county, now known as Alaska.  Norma joined him in Alaska after their first child was born.  The family returned home to South Dakota where they grew and lived in the communities of Huron, DeSmet and Sisseton.

Norma worked at home and provided child care to many families.  She loved caring for children throughout her life. She began working outside the home after her youngest child began school.  Norma was gifted with many leadership and life skills which she used in her employment with Roberts County Extension Office, Kings Western Seeds, City of Sisseton, Farm Credit Service, Farmers Union Insurance as well as when she provided cleaning services to the Presbyterian Church and other small businesses in Sisseton.

Norma was a member and Treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church, Sisseton.  She was very active in the Presbyterian Women's group, 4-H Leaders and the Women's American Legion & VFW Auxiliary.   She was an active leader in many church and community organizations.

Norma had a pioneering spirit that was woven throughout her life.  She overcame the loss of her son and her debilitating illnesses through a never give up attitude.  While the effects of her illnesses may have been visually evident, her spirit was perfect in God's eyes.  After the loss of her son, Norma became acutely aware of staying connected with her daughters and began the annual girls shopping trip which goes on to this day.

Norma was a hard worker and had a strong work ethic which she expected others to follow.  A little chocolate would always lift her spirits. She shared her legacy by planting seeds of learning though cooking, canning, crafting, sewing, gardening, life skills and enjoying nature.  She loved all these things along with gathering together with friends and family. She was our confidant, counselor and advocate in life.

She is survived by her three daughters: Colleen Palmer, Yankton, SD; Penny (Steve) Robinson, Brookings, SD; Lori (Clayton) Moen, Sisseton, SD; 8 grandchildren; Brianne (Brady) VanderLeest, Harrisburg, SD; Garrett Clancy, Fort Worth, TX; Erin (Austin) Knutson, Volga, SD; Kyle (Beth) Robinson, Brookings, SD; Chad (Jessi) Robinson, Brookings, SD; Kate (Wyatt) Hatter, Sidney MT; Karla (Cody) Schultz, Hitchcock, SD; Karyn (Webster) Lembke, Hebron, ND; and 19 great grandchildren. She also took under her wing Julie (Tankoff) Kaiser, Edina, MN her children, Ashley (Dan) Palmer, Bloomington, MN; and Travis Kaiser, Champlain, MN and three grandchildren; She is survived by two sisters Ruby (Gary) Huggett, Webster, SD; Evelyn Ost, Basset, NE and one brother Harry (Mary Ann) Cockrell Jr., Magna, UT.  She is also survived by three sister in-laws, Delores Cockrell, Chadron, NE; Arlene Jockheck, Sioux Falls, SD;  Lois (Roger) Kouf, Watertown, SD; one brother in-law Dallas (Sandy) Palmer, Wolsey, SD; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband (Leon), one son Kevin L. Palmer, her parents, three brothers; and one sister; six brother in-laws and four sister in-laws.

Family is asking memorials to be made by planting flowers or a garden and/or supporting a local community organization.