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ROME, Wis. -- Lenore Selma Palmgren, age 100, of Rome, WI, formerly of Bark River, MI, passed away on September 9, 2026, from injuries sustained in a fall. Lenore was born on March 30, 1926, in Isabella, MI, the daughter of John and Evelyn (Stenberg) Larson. She graduated from Escanaba High School.
During WorldWar II, Lenore did her part for the war effort by working in an artillery shellmanufacturing plant in Milwaukee, WI. It was an early example of the strongwork ethic that would remain with her throughout her life. On December 27,1947, Lenore married Marven Palmgren at Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River, MI. Together, they made Bark River their home for nearly 65 years, building a life centered around hard work, family, faith, friends, and community.
Lenore was never one to seek attention or recognition. She was a humble woman who simply saw what needed to be done and did it. She hadan incredible work ethic and seemingly endless energy. For many years,Lenore was the top producer of brush blankets, making tens of thousands of them over the years. She also worked as a substitute mail carrier before becoming a full-time rural mail carrier. When she retired in 1991, her route was promptly divided into two, a fitting testament to just how much work this one determined woman had been doing.
Lenore generously gave her time and talents to the places and people she cared about. She volunteered at Salem Lutheran Church and at The Highland Golf Club, where she helped keep the flower gardens beautiful, along with making many other contributions over the years. She didn’t need recognition for what she did; helping was simply part of who she was. She loved being outdoors and was happiest when she was busy. Lenore enjoyed golfing, gardening, cutting grass, feeding the birds, reading, playing card games (especially bridge), and spending time with family and friends. An accomplished golfer, she proudly recorded a hole-in-one in 1986.
Perhaps one of the best reflections of Lenore’s strength anddetermination was the way she lived her life right up to the age of 100. Fiercely independent, she continued living on her own, taking care of herself and doing the things she enjoyed. Reaching 100 years old is remarkable; doing so while maintaining her independence, humility, curiosity, and determination made it even more so. Lenore experienced an extraordinary century of change, from growing up in Michigan and working during WorldWar II to raising a family, carrying the mail, volunteering in her community, and watching her family grow through five generations. Through it all, sheremained grounded in the simple things she valued most: family, hard work, faith, friendship, and lending a hand wherever one was needed.
Lenore is survived by her daughters, Sandy Palmgren (Karen Karnel) of Mequon, WI, and Tina Palmgren of Stevens Point, WI; sons, Gary (Charlotte) Palmgren ofLake Elmo, MN, and Kelly Palmgren (Debb Eberhardt) of Rome, WI; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marven; her parents, her brothers, Ansel, Hilmer, Berger, and Emil; her sisters, Ruth, Ethel, Norma, and Lorraine; her daughter, Linda Beck; sons-in-law, Bruce Beck and Pete Bristow; and great-grandson, Damien Beck.
Lenore’s life cannot simply bemeasured by the remarkable 100 years she lived, but by the countless lives she touched along the way. She leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, independence, hard work, humility and devotion to family, a legacy that will continue through the generations that follow her. Visitation will be held Sept. 27, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Woodland Lutheran Church, 280 14th Avenue, Nekoosa, WI. The funeral service will begin at 3 p.m., with Pastor Margo officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids is assisting the Palmgren family.