Robert A. Palmer

GUTTENBERG, IOWA

Robert (Bob) Allen Palmer, a devoted father and grandfather, died in an accident on October 5, 2025, while dismantling a barn on his Millville Road property. Although he received numerous requests to leave the barn for someone else who was younger, Bob was doing what he loved, and we are thankful he was not alone when it happened.

The family is being supported by Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg as they navigate this difficult time. In accordance with the family's wishes, Bob’s body will be cremated, and there will be no public service.

Bob was born on November 21, 1936, on the family farm on Skip Level Road north of Colesburg. His mother and Grandpa Raymond Dodge were also born there. Bob was the oldest of six children born to Raymond E. and Dorothy M. (Dodge) Palmer. He attended Colesburg High School and graduated in 1955. In 1957, he joined the United States Army where he served and earned the rank of SP5 when he was discharged in 1960. For a time, he was stationed on Enewetok Island located in the Pacific Ocean where the military conducted nuclear bomb testing. Part of his duties included overseeing the company payroll. He would routinely fly to Hawaii with a security guard to bring back cash to be distributed to service members.

After leaving the Army, Bob worked in accounting at John Deere in Dubuque. During that time, he met the love of his life, Joan Lois Heller, and they were married on February 24, 1968, at Holy Trinity Church in Dubuque. The couple lived on Kane Street in Dubuque for a few years and then fulfilled their dream by purchasing and moving to their farm on Millville Road. Bob retired after years of commuting to concentrate on his farm and animals. In their free time, he and Joan enjoyed traveling and line dancing with friends.

Bob is survived by his sons Michael and Donald, and grandchildren Matthew, Trevor, and Jody. In addition, he is survived by his brothers—Terry (Marene), Neil, Rick (Shirley), and Scott (Laura)—along with his sister Cheryl (Jeff) Madlom and his sister-in-law Anita Heller.

He was predeceased by his wife; his parents, Raymond and Dorothy Palmer; his in-laws, Lawrence and Frances Heller; and his brother-in-law, Lawrence (Larry) Heller.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.