Marilyn Mae Palmer

Born March 16, 1927, in Kenosha, WI, Marilyn Mae (Schmidt) Palmer was the daughter of Frank and Marie "Babe" Schmidt. After graduating from Washington Park Heights High School, she attended Layton School of Art in Milwaukee.

Marilyn began her career as a window decorator, designer, and artist for Porter Furniture Co. in Racine, where she worked for many years. In 1949, she married Howard Dahlstrom, and the family relocated to Longmont, CO, in 1960. They had two children, Jeffrey and Rhonda. After their divorce, Marilyn married Donald "Stix" Palmer, with whom she raised their son, Shane Palmer.

From an early age, Marilyn had a deep love for art and design. She was an incredibly gifted artist, known especially in Longmont for her watercolors and interior design. Marilyn worked in sales and interior design for Smallwood's for 20 years, and later ran her own custom picture framing and decorating studio, a space her husband Donald built for her in 1984. She remained active in her business for 27 years, creating beautiful works for clients and friends alike.

A dedicated community member, Marilyn served as a member and officer of the American Legion Auxiliary for nearly 65 years. She was also a proud member of the Longmont Artist Guild for approximately 50 years and volunteered at the Longmont Museum for many years. Her love for the area was reflected in her art, as she continued painting landmarks, buildings, and landscapes of Longmont and beyond.

Marilyn was passionate about travel, and she enjoyed exploring the United States, Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Dahlstrom (Sara); Jeff’s children, Kristi Dahlstrom and Levi Dahlstrom (Gina); her adopted son/grandson, Shane Palmer (Sherry); Shane's children, Cody Palmer and Hayley Palmer; her granddaughter, Elisabeth Link; her niece, Gail Dahlstrom; stepchildren Julie, Jennifer, and Stephanie, and their families; and great-grandchildren, Avery (Jake), Noelle, Ashley, Cameron, Isabella, Liliana, and Skyla.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Rhonda Dahlstrom, in 1972; her beloved husband, Donald "Stix" Palmer, in 1993; her stepson, Chris Palmer, in 2021; her former daughter-in-law Kerry Palmer, in 2017; her dear friend and “compadre,” Edward Peppler, in 2015; and numerous other cherished friends.

Marilyn will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations sent directly to American Legion, Attn: Auxiliary, 315 South Bowen Street Longmont, Colorado 80501.

A memorial service for Marilyn will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Howe Mortuary of Longmont, CO. At 1:00 p.m Marilyn will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont, CO. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 32.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Palmer family.