Retiring teacher, coach urges Colony grads to ‘find their 68’
By Jeremiah Bartz Frontiersman.com A football coach using a hockey reference as the centerpiece for his keynote address may
November 30, 1935 - December 04, 2025 Geraldine (Gerry) Kindgren Lampard Keeling passed peacefully at home with her daughters present, December 4, 2025. Born November 30, 1935 to Saima Hannula Kindgren and Oscar Kindgren, Gerry was the first baby born in the Palmer Colony Hospital, and spent most of her 90 years in her beloved hometown. Gerry graduated valedictorian, Palmer High, 1953, then continued her education at UAF. Finding joy with family, visiting with people, tending her garden, and in following sports; Gerry was a lifelong cheerleader for Palmer Moose. For nearly 40 years, Gerry passionately served on the Palmer Historical Society, as a board member, the president, author of newsletter, and beyond, she did it all; a primary curator and caretaker of the Colony House Museum, serving in various roles 1989-2025. Gerry was deeply honored to receive keys to the City of Palmer as Citizen of the Year, 2011, and again upon retiring after 42 years serving as an election official in 2017. Although Gerry’s impact is reflected throughout Palmer, her influence, and now her absence, is most deeply felt by her daughters and their families. Preceded in death by her parents, sister Jean Prewitt, and husband David Keeling of Palmer, Gerry leaves behind sister Barbara Brown, daughters Laurel Lampard (Bob Edison), Heather Lampard, Colleen Menard (Steve), Erin Keeling, Coral Barron (Dave), grandchildren Jessica, Trevor, Sarah, Brady, Jade, and Isaac, two great-grandchildren, and extended family far and wide. A celebration of Gerry's life is set for Thursday, December 18th, 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Palmer Depot, 610 S. Valley Way, Palmer. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Palmer Historical Society, PO Box 1935, Palmer, AK 99645 or Palmer High Basketball or Football Booster Clubs.