William George "Bill" Palmer

William "Bill" George Palmer, 71, of Zeeland, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at his home. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 12, 1954, to Walter and Joyce (McMullen) Palmer. He attended catholic school in the Chicago stockyard neighborhood where he grew up on the near south side. Bill attended Tilden High School prior to joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He served on a U.S. Navy ship near the end of the Vietnam Conflict where his Marine unit and Naval ship assignment where instrumental in the evacuation of Saigon in April of 1975. Bill returned home from Vietnam 1976, and married the love of his life, Carolyn Finch. In 1980 they moved to West Michigan and raised their two sons in Zeeland. Bill and Carolyn always worked hard and both worked at Corlett-Turner several years until their respective retirements. Bill was a skilled carpenter, tradesman, and very mechanically inclined. BIll spent lots of time building houses, decks, porches, and doing every possible repair, both for family and friends. Bill was also a big softy. He was kindhearted, compassionate, and he and Carolyn opened their home to anyone who needed a hand. Bill was very proud of his children and grandchildren, he adored his entire family and loved spending time with them. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn, son William Palmer, son Jeremy (Krista) Palmer, grandchildren: Alyssa Palmer, Zan Howerton, Dewey Palmer, Brody Palmer, Charlie Palmer; great-grandchild Harleigh, siblings: Willy Erwin, Chuck Erwin, Kathy Erwin, Jean Palmer, Peggy Rubino; in-laws: Sissy, Mary, DeDe, Barbara, Joann, Vernon, Charles, Chet; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by siblings Shirley Erwin and Larry Palmer. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S, State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Military honors will be held at Zeeland Cemetery (Felch Street Cemetery). Visitation will be 10:00-10:45 am Friday, prior to the funeral service. www.yntemafh.com