Roger Alan Palmen

WATERFORD - Roger Alan Palmen, 66, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 29, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 25, 1946 in Kenosha, he was the son of the late Howard and Marjorie Virginia (Evans) Palmen. He attended local schools and was a McKinley Jr. High and Bradford High School graduate. He also attended Carthage College. Junior High School is when Roger began his tuba playing which continued into high school and Carthage College playing in their bands. He also played in the Racine Elks Marching Band. Roger served in the United States Army. He attended the Navy School of Music in Norfolk, VA, played in the 399th Army band in Vincenza, Italy. He was honorably discharged in 1967. On May 16, 1970 he married Theresa M. Zalewski at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Kenosha. He sang in the Snap On chorus, under the direction of Marjorie Morrow from 1971 until it was disbanded. He was the co-owner and vice president of Palmen Motors in Kenosha from 1968-1990 with his brother. In 1974 they purchased the Dodge dealership in Racine, which Roger ran. They sold this in 1984. While running this dealership, Roger was a member of the Racine Optimist Club donating 8 trucks for the winners of Salmonarama. In 1992, Roger sold his share of the business to his nephew and purchased the Chevrolet dealership in Union Grove. From 1992 until his death, he has been the president and owner of Roger Palmen Chevrolet in Union Grove. Being a community minded man, Roger was elected president of an automotive apprentice program at Park High School (AES-part of a nationwide program). With the building committee, the garage area was remodeled to better facilitate the needs of the mechanical area. With assistance from Snap On, Roger Palmen Chevrolet donated 3 hoists to enhance the program. Recently on October 15, of 2012 The Park Automotive Center will be renamed the Roger Palmen Automotive Center. He belonged to the WI Auto and truck Dealers Association. And National Automotive Dealers Association. He was a board member of the Kiwanis Club and served with his sons on the Parade Committee for 15 years. After 30 years, Roger returned to his tuba playing. He played 10 years with the Bell City Brassworks and 6 years with the Zion Christian Band. As a Bell City member, he sponsored a yearly concert at the Union Grove High School. Roger was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Kenosha, where he taught confirmation students and sang in the choir. He was a former member of St. Mary Lutheran Church and attended St. Thomas Catholic Church in Waterford. Roger is survived by his loving wife, Theresa of Waterford; three sons, Michael (Theresa), and Daniel both of Waterford and Anthony (Lindsey) of West Allis; two grandchildren, Noah and Eloise and one sister, Barbara (Jack) Strothman of Minnetonka, MN. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ron. Roger enjoyed the car business and working with people for over 40 years. His success was due not only to his hard work but to the many who worked with him. He is proud to pass on his business to his sons, Michael and Daniel and his wife Terri who will help the business continue to grow with hopes of remodeling in 2013. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, November, 3, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.. Interment with full Military Honors, will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at Proko Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Thomas Church in Waterford and Trinity Lutheran Church of Kenosha and Hospice Advantage would be appreciated by the family. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory 5111 60th St. 262 654 3533 Visit Roger's Online Memorial Book At: www.prokofuneralhome.com