Dana Martin Palmquist

Dana Palmquist 9/22/1949-5/29/2026 Those who enjoy a good joke, an amusing story, and an unusually long birthday song that might include a medley of “strangers in the night” etc. will sorely miss Dana, who left us peacefully with his family at his side.

Growing up on the upper west side of Helena, Dana was one of three generations of Palmquists to attend the historic Hawthorn school, back when everyone could walk to school and explore the neighborhood together. After school, there was plenty of time for play, mischief, and shenanigans until the streetlights came on.

Dana attended Helena High until he graduated in 1967, enjoying good times with friends, working on cars and motorcycles, and cruising the drag. Bob P., John B,, Mark P. and others, all became lifelong friends. He then went on to attend and graduate from MSU with a degree in engineering. Along the way, he married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Jewel Purdom.

Through the years, they welcomed 3 children; Aaron, Laynn, and Sterling, not to mention their spirited Boston terrier, Swede .... who enjoyed terrorizing the cousins who’d come to visit. Dana’s job with Montana Power Company took them to Bozeman, Lewistown, Livingston, and finally Missoula. Dana’s co-workers enjoyed his leadership and good nature.

They stayed in Missoula until Dana retired, the two of them making many friends, and enjoying life. It was during their time in Missoula, however, that they mourned the sudden loss of their son, Aaron.

After their children were grown, Dana and Debbie embarked on a new adventure; moving to Boise to help with their grandchildren. Their home became the new hub for Sterling, Laynn, and their families to enjoy holidays and gatherings. Debbie’s gift for decorating, crafting, and making things beautiful, gave their gatherings special meaning, as well as her enthusiasm for life.

Debbie passed away in 2019. Now their children keep their traditions alive and will pass them on to their children, remembering and telling stories of their parents, grandparents, and friends.

Surviving Dana is son Laynn Palmquist (Deidre); daughter Sterling Stanley (Stanton), and four grandchildren Boedy and Talen Palmquist, and London and Kruz Stanley; In-laws Randy (Katie) Purdom, Brother Blaine Palmquist (Judy), Sister Kris Palmquist (Ron), and Sister Karla Rohrbaugh( Doug). and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.