James Dale Palmer, 91, of Maddock, ND, passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018 at his home. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30AM Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at the North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock with Pastor Allen Campbell officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Music will be provided by Jennifer Hagen. Military Honors provided by Theodore Togstad American Legion #123 of Maddock and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.

James Dale Palmer was born September 11, 1926 to William and Helen (Togstad) Palmer in Minot, ND. The family moved to Maddock in 1932. Dale attended the Maddock Public Grade School and BCATS until enlisting in the US Navy in 1943. He served in the Navy Air Branch as an air gunner, radar operator and flight engineer until 1947 when honorably discharged. Dale reentered the Navy in September 1950 and served in Korea aboard an aircraft carrier until honorably discharged in December 1953.

Dale resided in California and worked on experimental aircrafts at the Edwards Air Force Base Test Center for many years. Dale was united in marriage to Mary Lange in 1962 in Presho, SD and welcomed their daughter Donna Colleen in 1963. Mary passed away in 1967. Dale and his daughter moved to California where Dale worked in manufacturing for several years before settling in Maddock where he worked various jobs.

Dale married Elaine Faul and resided in Harvey, ND for a short time. He later returned to Maddock and was proud to be part of the Maddock Centennial Committee and served as Parade Committee Chairman. The parade was North Dakota's largest in 2001 with 350 entries. Dale was a past member of the Theodore Togstad American Legion #123 of Maddock and enjoyed making lefse for the Maddock Norwegians. He also enjoyed woodworking, music, reading and cross-word puzzles.

Dale is survived by his daughter, Donna Colleen (Terry) Dufner of Christine, ND; four grandchildren, Angela (fiancé, Casey Erickson), Amanda, Trevor and Trenton; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents, William Palmer and Helen (Ed) Gullerud; siblings, Robert, Howard and Marion.