Albert F. Palm

Dr. Albert F. Palm, age 82, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, May 6, 2018, at MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland. Al was born January 22, 1936 in Ludington, son of the late Oscar Albert and Tecla (Carlson) Palm. He graduated from Ludington High School and received bachelors and masters degrees from Central Michigan University. He was a public school teacher before receiving his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Iowa. He married Jo Beauchamp in 1962 in Mt. Pleasant. He began his academic career at Sonoma State University in Santa Rosa, CA and joined the faculty of Central Michigan University in 1970, retiring in 1998. He was a member of the American Political Science Association and the Michigan Political Science Association. He was a frequent commentator on local and state news programs, and generations of students remember him as one of their favorites, a gruff but kind professor who opened their eyes to the inequities of the American political system. His community service included volunteering with the local chapter of the Michigan Democratic Party and coaching Little League softball. Al was a well-known jazz aficionado and an avid golfer who played more than 600 courses across the U.S. and Canada during his lifetime. He loved Lake Michigan, which he traversed hundreds of times while working on the Badger, the Spartan, the City of Midland and others in the Lake Michigan car ferry fleet. Al is survived by his adoring daughters: Kristin of Detroit, MI and Kara of San Diego, CA; his grandson, Hunter Thayer; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo, as well as his parents and his sisters, Carolyn Ferris and Betsy Levandoski. Als memorial service will be held Saturday, August 11 at 2 pm in the Community Room of Veterans Memorial Library, 301 South University, in Mt. Pleasant (enter off the back parking lot), with the Rev. Nancy Casey Fulton officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The service will be followed by a jazz funeral procession to Midori Sushi and Martini Lounge and a toast to Al. Wear walking shoes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen (P.O. Box 872, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-0872) or the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum (c/o Mason County Historical Society, 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, MI 49431). Envelopes will be available at the library or at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home.