William R. Palmer

William “Bill” R. Palmer, age 89, formerly of Iron River, MI, passed away on March 5, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene, ID. William was born on April 12, 1934, in Eagle River, WI, the son of the late Akers and Claudia (Sparks) Palmer. He attended Crandon Schools, Class of 1951. In 1952 he enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Korean conflict. He also served with the 3rd Infantry Regiment in Washington DC known as the Escort to the President. After an honorable discharge in 1957 William resided in Palm Springs, CA then moving to Iron River, MI in 1959. In 2015 he moved to Hayden, ID and has resided there until his passing. William married the former Sally Ann Marcell on December 3, 1954. The couple had four children enjoying 28 years of marriage until Sally’s passing on October 27, 1983. He later married Eunice Dobson on September 28, 1998. The couple enjoyed 14 years together until her death on October 8, 2012. He enjoyed the company of his special friend and companion Sharon Dunning for the last 8 years of his life. William was employed with the Hanna Mining Company and later as a crane and heavy equipment operator with both Proksch and Hebert Construction companies until his retirement in 1998. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River and the Operating Engineers Local #324 in Escanaba, MI. He was also a lifelong member of the VFW. William loved being with family, hunting, fishing and time at camp. He was an avid tomato gardener and a master at the game of cribbage. He was extremely loved and will be greatly missed by all. William is survived by his sons, Calvin (Kim) Palmer of Green Bay, WI, Richard (Lori) Palmer of Allouez, WI, John (Kim) Palmer of Alpharetta, GA, and Terry (Tonya) Palmer of Sobieski, WI; six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. William was preceded in death by his parents Akers and Claudia; wives Sally and Eunice; three brothers, Ronald, Gerald and James Palmer; two granddaughters, Jessie Palmer and Cassandra Stachura; and grandson, Devin Palmer. A graveside service will be held on Saturday May 4, 2024, at 10:15 a.m. at Resthaven Cemetery with Fr. Daniel Fosu to officiate. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the graveside. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William R. Palmer, please visit our flower store.