
Nelle C. Palmquist (1994). Fourth Wall Films photo.
Nelle C. Palmquist, one of the shining stars of Villisca: Living with a Mystery, died on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 in Iowa City at the age of 95.
One of our more enjoyable and memorable experiences while shooting our first documentary feature film was the afternoon we spent interviewing Nelle Palmquist in Villisca in 1994. Nelle's father-in-law worked for 1912 Villisca axe murder suspect Frank F. Jones for more than 30 years, so her insight into Jones' family and farm implement store owner, banker, and State Senator Jones was fascinating.
Nelle attended the sold-out showing of the finished film in 2004 at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That night, as at other previous and subsequent showings, Nelle's comments about Frank Jones' son Albert received the biggest laugh from the crowd.
Interviewee (off camera): "Do you think Albert Jones might have been guilty of the murders?"
Nelle: "No, he was too dumb. No, huh uh. My husband used to say that he [Albert Jones] left his brains in the dresser drawer and there was nothing left under his cap. [she laughs] So that's our version of...oh...[under her breath] maybe I shouldn't have said that."
We are grateful for Nelle's participation in our true crime film and we extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed.
Her official obituary follows below:
Nelle C. Palmquist, 95, of Iowa City died peacefully at the home of her daughter, Janet Hoffey, on Tuesday, December 15, 2009.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11am, Saturday, December 19, 2009 at St. Joseph Church in Villisca, IA. Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph's Church, Villisca, St. Patrick's Church, Iowa City, or Iowa City Hospice. Arrangements are with Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City.
Nelle was born December 30, 1913 in Magnolia, IA, the daughter of Con and Mary Reardon. She married John W. Palmquist on May 15, 1935 in Omaha. After they moved to Villisca in 1938, they were instrumental in the founding of St. Joseph's Church.
Nelle moved to Iowa City in 1999 and was a member of St. Patrick's Church.
Nelle is survived by three daughters, Joan Jamison of Ankeny, Janet Hoffey of Iowa City, Jeanne Schenk of Baytyown, TX, and one son, Mark Palmquist (Patty) of Lilburn, GA; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, three brothers, one sister and two sons-in-law, Jerry Hoffey and Bruce Jamison.
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