Joseph John Palmer
Joseph Palmer Obituary
Joe passed away peacefully on Friday, April 6, 2018. His entire family was able to gather by his bedside just prior to his passing. It was a good day of remembering and being together.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Elfreida, (2007), his first wife, Joan (Jenkins), (1995) his son-in-law, George, (2012) and his sister, Mary (Mitus) Field this past year.
He is survived by his children: Michael (Carole) Palmer, Kathryn (George) Bodwin, Patricia (Ken) Modzeleski, Karilyn (Norman) Wiersma and David (Chris) Palmer, his stepchildren, LuAnn (Mike) Selzer and Charlie Skorupski. He had several grandchildren and great grandchildren, very special nieces and nephews and neighbors that were always kind to him.
Joe was a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids area. He was a Navy veteran and served as an engine repairman, 3rd class, during the Korean conflict from 1951 through 1955 on the Flying Fish and the USS Harder. He was very proud of his time spent in the service and spoke of it often. He worked for the US Postal Service following his time in the Navy and went on to work and retire from Steelcase.
Joe had many hobbies throughout his life: fishing, camping, softball, building ship models and model railroads, slot car tracks, and flying model airplane, to name a few. He loved the Red Wings, the Lions and the Tigers and rarely missed watching a game. He also loved John Wayne movies, lobster and playing cards. In his retirement, he enjoyed making quality wood crafts that he and Elfie would sell at craft shows.
There will be a graveside service on Sunday, August 5, 2018, at 1:00 pm at Resurrection Cemetery (Byron Center in Wyoming). Family and friends are welcome.
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