Robert Palmer

Robert Palmer was a hardworking husband, father, grandfather, and a true-blue patriot and proud veteran. Bob was a tough man, who ran a tight ship, a man who worked hard for what he earned, and appreciated what he had. He had an iron will, yet underneath it all, Bob always had a heart of gold.

Bob's story began on a cold winter day in 1932, as the winds whipped off the lake in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. On February 25, 1932, Farrington and Ann (Witteman) Palmer found a reason to celebrate, with a birth of a son they named Robert.

Bob was the second of five children in the family's Whitefish Bay home, where his hardworking dad drove a truck and worked at the local bar to make ends meet, while his mother cared for the family and the home. Later on, Bob's dad owned and operated a tavern in their hometown.

In 1950, when he turned 17, Bob left school in the 11th grade and enlisted in the Army. Before he knew it, Bob was overseas in Korea, fighting in the conflict there. For a Midwestern boy from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, seeing another country halfway around the globe was a life-changing experience, and made him truly appreciate America's greatness.

Eventually Bob returned stateside, and finished out his service at Fort Custer, in Augusta, Michigan. One night he was set up on a blind date with a local girl named Norma Butler, and the sparks flew between them. A whirlwind romance ensued, and the two were married just six months later.

After Bob's service ended, the newlyweds settled in the charming town of Vicksburg, Michigan nearby, and he started work at the Simpson Paper Mill. The couple were blessed with three fine children over the years, first their son Doug, then daughter Deb and finally their son David. Bob was a strict father, who ran a tight ship around the home, and expected his children to behave properly.

They did plenty of things as a family over the years. In the summertime when the kids were young, they often went camping, or visited relatives back in Wisconsin. Bob also loved to play board games and cards, and when things went bad in a game, "Earl" was always to blame for the misfortunes.

While he might have kept a tough exterior, Bob always had his family first in his heart, and worked very hard to provide for them. He worked for Simpson Paper Mill for 25 years, before taking a job as a Pipe Fitter with General Motors. After 10 years with GM, Bob took a well-deserved retirement.

Bob had plenty to keep him busy in retirement, of course. He was a man of many interests and hobbies, with plenty of activities, too. He was an incredibly patriotic man, and a longtime member of the American Legion and the Eagles. Bob was very proud of his time in the service, and had a deep appreciation for the flag and the Star Spangled Banner. It saddened him when he heard it sung improperly, which he viewed as disrespectful.

Bob was also an avid bowler, and bowled in leagues for many years with his coworkers, friends, and his wife Norma. He was a huge sports fan, in general, and rooted for the home teams of his adopted state, the Detroit Tigers and Lions, in addition to his favorite NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr. Bob loved to be on his couch and watch the game, or one of his favorite game shows. He had a special table by his couch, which had pictures of his beloved grandkids, his trivia calendars, his scented candles he burned daily, and of course, his dog-eared TV guide, all neatly organized the way he wanted.

Later in life, Bob's gruff exterior began to soften, and he mellowed. He counted his family as great blessing, and was thankful that he had them and that they were all healthy. He always cherished the time with his family at the holidays. One of his special possessions was a St. Christopher's coin he carried with him in his wallet, a present from a nephew.

Bob was a good man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a true-blue patriot and proud veteran. Bob had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed. Bob's journey ended suddenly at his home on Monday, April 14, 2008, at the age of 76.

Learn more about Bob, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the same location and burial will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Members of his family include his wife Norma, 3 children: Doug and his wife Sue Palmer, Deb and her husband Chris Wedel and David Palmer, 5 grandchildren: Rob and his wife Tracy-Ann, Shane, Erik and his wife Renae, Kristen, Nicci and her husband Hugh, 4 great grandchildren: Dylan, Cassie,Dalton, and Garrett, a brother Bill Palmer and sisters Bev Deppiesse and Barb Palmer.

Please visit Bob's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book or make a memorial donation to the West Michigan Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Veteran’s Memorial Trust Fund.