Raymond J. Palmer

Raymond “Ray” J. Palmer, age 88, of Iron River, MI, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2016 at the Iron River Care Center. Ray was born May 21, 1927 in Crystal Falls, MI, the son of the late Ernest and Mary (Jarvi) Palmer. He attended the Stambaugh Schools, graduating with the Class of 1945 and then attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of World War II. Ray married the former Sharon Anderson on April 15, 1950 and the couple made their home in Stambaugh. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 15, 2015. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, the Elks Lodge of Iron River, the American Legion Reino Post #21 for 63 years, and the VFW Ottawa Post #3134. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, following his children and grandchildren in their sports activities, watching the Green Bay Packers, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. In his early years, Ray worked for Lindwall Auto Sales, the Hanna Mining Company at the Homer Wauseca and Groveland mines for 29 years, an attendant at the Kayo Gas Station, and was a maintenance manager at the Oakridge Apartments in Stambaugh. Raymond is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons, Raymond James(Betty) Palmer Jr. of Crystal Falls and Donald (Jane) Palmer of Marquette; daughter, Julie Ann (Mark) Tollander of Shoreview, MN; sister, Nancy (John) Evans of Marquette; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. He was also preceded in death by his infant son, Gary Lee and niece, Sarah Evans. Visitation will be held Friday, March 11, 2016 from 10am to 10:45am at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River. A memorial service will follow at 11am with Pastor Dawn Treado Green to officiate. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rights at the service. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond J. Palmer, please visit our flower store.