Robert William Palmer

Robert William Palmer, 89, of Sturgis, Mich., died peacefully on Oct. 18, 2013 in Sturgis with his family by his side. He was born March 3, 1924, in Sturgis, the eldest child of late Albert and Bertha (Baker) Palmer. A lifelong member of the Sturgis community and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1942, he was employed by Sturgis Posture Chair (later called General Fireproofing Co.) for 26 years. He joined Grumman-Olson in 1972, retiring in 1988. One of Bob's first jobs was working at Castle Kwik Serve in Sturgis. He often commented on how he enjoyed that job flipping hamburgers. Bob served in the U.S. Army Air Force 452nd Bomber Group for three years during WWII, with 18 months in England as a ground crew leader (Staff Sergeant) with B-17 bombers. He was active Life Member and past commander of Neuman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion. He also held Life Memberships in Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW, Jack Johnston Chapter #88 DAV, 40 & 8 Society Voiture #545 and B.P.O. Elks #1381. A lifelong member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Sturgis, Bob was distinguished as its longest serving acolyte. Bob was especially proud of his service on the Sturgis High School Citizen's Committee that brought the current Sturgis High School to reality. A true sportsman, Bob played football for the Sturgis Trojans, met his future wife while bowling, got a hole-in-one in golf, played in the same card club with Phyllis for 60+ years, was a master jigsaw puzzler, and seldom missed a Tigers' game on TV. Bob married Phyllis (Hart) Palmer on Feb. 8, 1948, in Sturgis. In addition to Phyllis, he is survived by daughter Janice (Denny) Garn of Milford, Mich.; sons Jeff (Susan Andress) Palmer of Kalamazoo and Jon Palmer of Chicago, Ill.; grandchildren U.S. Army Major Alex (Sara) Garn, Birmingham, Mich.; Leah (Paul) Kaliszewski, Livonia; and Ryan Palmer, Chicago; great-grandchildren Talon, Addison, Peyton, Skylar Garn and Mackenzie Kaliszewksi; sister Alma Holding of Tampa, Fla.; brothers Don and Leo Palmer of Sturgis; many nieces and nephews; nine godchildren; devoted friends Jim, Ann, Ralph, Marietta, John, and Susie; and countless friends and neighbors. His parents, Albert and Bertha (Baker) Palmer, and brothers James and Charles Palmer preceded him in death. Bob's family is grateful to the many St. John's parishioners, Thurston Woods' caregivers, Hospice of Sturgis staff members, Sturgis Hospital ICU staff, the Sisterhood of 700 Wilshire, and countless relatives and friends who loved and cared for him. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial Requiem Mass celebrating the life of Robert W. Palmer will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Sturgis the Rev. Father Aaron Evans will officiate. Military honors will be conferred the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Private burial of the ashes will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis at a later date. The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Palmer's memory consider St. John's Episcopal Church, 110 S. Clay St., Sturgis, MI 49091, Thurston Woods Village Endowment Fund, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091. The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.