Obituary
Palm, Reuben Nicholas Jr. Loving Husband, Father and Friend to Many Reuben Nicholas Palm, Jr. January 21, 1928 – August 9, 2020 On August 9, 2020, Reuben Palm of Wayzata, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many, passed away at the age of 92.
Reuben adored his late wife Janice of fifty years, and will be reunited with her in Heaven.
Reuben was born on January 21, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from The Blake School in 1946 and from Harvard University in 1950. He joined the family business, Palm Brothers Restaurant Equipment and Design with his brothers and then five sons, which was founded by his parents in 1910. During his successful career, Reuben was inducted into the Minnesota Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2005 and served on the Boards of The Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association and Minnesota Restaurant Association.
Reuben was well respected in the community and generous with his time, serving as the Mayor of Minnetonka Beach and the President of Lafayette Club. Reuben was also a long-time member of the Breakfast Club of Minneapolis, the Kiwanis Club and the Orono School Board. In 2011, a street in Minnetonka Beach was named as “Palm Lane” in honor and recognition of Reuben and Jan’s contributions to the neighborhood and community.
Reuben enjoyed traveling but of all the places in the world, his favorite was Lake Minnetonka. He spent most all of his life living on the shores and enjoyed boating in his Windsor Craft. Watching the 4th of July fireworks light up the sky over the lake is a memory we will cherish forever. He loved spending time with each of his grandchildren. He was there for every sporting event, especially hockey games, music or dance recitals, and graduations. For years, one of his favorite things to do was to drive his sons and families to and from the airport for every trip – no matter the hour so that he could be the last one to say goodbye and the first one to greet them when they arrived back home. We will always remember his selfless giving.
Reuben was preceded in death by his father Reuben Palm Sr and mother Cora Palm, his wife Janice Palm, and his brothers John Palm and Warren Palm. He is survived by his brother Robert (Timmie) Palm, five sons and five daughters-in-law, twelve grandchildren and one great grandson: Jim (Susan) and grandchildren Greg and Molly; Tom (Maureen) and grandchildren Matt and Kelly; Mike (Shannon) and grandchildren Michael Jr, Trent, Chris, Ryan and great grandson Christopher; Rick (Kristin) and grandchildren Cora and Ella; and Mark (Pam) and grandchildren Luke and Tori. He is also survived by many wonderful friends, relatives, cousins, nieces and nephews.
We will miss Reuben; his quick wit, his keen sense of humor, and the twinkle in his eye. We will honor him in our memory every day. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Folkestone and Presbyterian Homes for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to our father these past five years.