Palma Higdem, age 93, of Fosston, MN, formerly of Winger, MN, died Saturday, November 4, 2017, at Essentia Long Term Care in Fosston, MN.

Palma Elaine Helgaas was born April 21, 1924, to John and Clara (Bennes) Helgaas at her parent's home near Winger, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindal, MN. She attended grade school at the Hazel Hill Country School that was two and a half miles from her home. Palma married the love of her life, Rueben Higdem on April 21, 1948. The couple made their home in Sletten Township on property that Rueben's father had homesteaded. The couple built a new house on the same building site and a new milking parlor. They did all the milking and farm work together. After Rueben suffered several strokes, Palma provided care for him up until his death in 1986. Palma also worked as a cook for her brother-in-law, Melvin Higdem, at his restaurant, Mel's Café in Fosston, and later she was a baker, at the Depot Café in Winger until her retirement. Her specialties at the Depot Café were pies, donuts and cookies. Palma moved to the nursing home in 2004, where she lived until her death.

Palma loved to cook and bake, making wonderful flatbread. She also spent many hours sewing, embroidering, and crocheting. She was a regular quilter at Calvary Lutheran Church along with being active in the ladies aide. Palma loved to visit, especially her brother, Kenneth, at McIntosh Manor. She also enjoyed fishing at Bass Lake, tending to her large vegetable gardens and apple trees and keeping her geraniums year-round. Another pastime included traveling, most memorably her bus trip to Branson, MO, and her trip to the Pacific Coast. Palma was a great friend to her sisters-in-law, cousins, and neighbors; and always treated her nieces and nephews like her own children. Over the years, many good times were shared at the Higdem home, including the Luther League toboggan parties at "Higdem Hills". Her loving heart and generosity shown through with her caregiving and providing of baked goods, meals, and cleaning for her parents and Reuben's parents, allowing them to stay in their home longer.

Palma is survived by a sister-in-law, Edna Helgaas of Winger and several nieces and nephews: Phyllis (Butch) Sturre, Judy McGovck, John (Sherry) Helgaas, Renee (Jerry) Bjorgaard, Denise (Mike) Hoffman, Lonnye (Mary) Helgaas, Craig (Bev) Helgaas, Patty (Mark) Messelt, Gail Finkle, Rachel Kulzer, Cheryl (Ron) Wang, Eileen (Terry) Cook, Rodney (Katie) Helgaas and many extended family of Reuben's.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rueben; her three brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth (Clarice), Julian (Bernadine), and Ervin; her niece, Kathy Perry; her nephew, Randy Helgass; and her great-nephew, Dylan Wang.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at Calvary Lutheran Church, Winger, MN. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Sandhill Lutheran Cemetery, rural Winger.