Lydia Wulff

Lydia Wulff, age 70, of Graceville, MN, died on September 12, 2019 at Grace Home in Graceville.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 16, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in rural Johnson, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church, and burial will immediately follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

Lydia Karen Wulff was born on August 9, 1949, in Graceville, MN. She was the daughter of Walter Otto Wulff and Lydia Kathrine (Sorensen) Wulff. She grew up on the family farm south of Johnson, MN, attending District 35 Country School and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School in rural Johnson. Lydia graduated from Graceville High School in 1967.

Following graduation, Lydia worked at the Clinton Nursing Home as a Nurse Assistant.  She helped care for her father, who had been diagnosed with cancer, until he passed away in 1968. This experience fostered her desire to pursue a career in caring for others. In 1969, she attended Alexandria Area Vocational and Technical School and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked as an LPN for ten years in the Willmar, Morris, and Fargo areas. On September 30, 1972, she was united in marriage to Mike Palmer. To this union, one daughter, Kari Beth, was born.

In 1980, Lydia continued her education at Willmar Community College and Moorhead State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.  She continued her career as a Registered Nurse in several communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. She had the privilege of starting Hospice programs in many communities over the years. How proud her family was of her in these accomplishments. She retired from nursing in 2000 and remained active as a volunteer for Rice Hospice and Trinity Lutheran Women’s Group thereafter.

As a child, Lydia was an active participant in 4-H. Later in life, she enjoyed spending time at the lake camping, treating special ones to a meal out, and most importantly, spending quality time with family and friends. Lydia was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of rural Johnson and was a church member thereafter. Lydia faithfully read her daily devotional and her faith in God sustained her throughout her entire life.

Lydia is survived by her daughter, Kari Beth (Gene) Snyder of Chambersburg, PA; sisters: Margaret (Robert) Ringger of Dumont, MN; and Ruth (Gary) Hoffman of Graceville, MN; brothers: Walter (Sheila) Wulff of Chokio, MN; and Frederick (Christine) Wulff of Liberty, TX; three grandchildren: Brady Snyder of Groton, CT; Nathen Snyder of Chambersburg, PA; and Ella Snyder of Chambersburg, PA; 13 nieces and nephews; one Goddaughter; and numerous cousins. One of Lydia’s proudest pastimes was learning and sharing the achievements of her daughter, grandkids, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Walter and Lydia Kathrine Wulff; uncles: Frederick (Marie) Wulff of Chokio, MN; Hans (Lillian) Sorensen of Fargo, ND; and Harold (Margaret) Sorensen of St. Paul, MN; and Godparents: Fred (Minnie) Fischer of Chokio, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to: Rice Hospice – 301 Becker Ave SW, Willmar, MN, 56201; or Trinity Lutheran Church – PO Box 477, Graceville, MN, 56240.