Obit: Palmer, Donald L. Sr. (1932 - 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Palmer, Jones, Serocki, Kowieski, Kodl, Peterson, Perez, Brown, Stickland, Cardwell, Stotesbery, Sandhiyagu

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 10/25/2021

Palmer, Donald L. Sr. (26 January 1932 – 24 October 2021)

Donald L. Palmer, SR., age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at his son, Dan’s home in Thorp.

Donald LeRoy Palmer was born on January 26, 1932, in Beardsley MN, the son of Austin LeRoy and Marian Jane (Jones) Palmer. He grew up in Beardsley, MN where he graduated and began working as a hired hand on various neighborhood farms. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Mathilda Serocki, on July 5, 1951, just before he was drafted into the US Army. During that time of service, his first newborn son passed away from heart complications. After discharge, they lived for a short time in Beardsley MN by the lake. Enduring two years of drought they decided to move to Thorp, where they farmed while raising their family together for over five decades of ups and downs.

He enjoyed being involved in community events and organizations and received 50-year honor member awards from both the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a dedicated member of the Rock Dam Rod and Gun Club and had fun working with other members during the annual Jamborees. Don and Mary spent countless Sunday afternoons traveling to parades, church socials, tractor pulls, and playing cards with friends and family.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, on August 16, 2014; two sons: Edward and Donald, Jr.; a daughter in law: Gail Palmer; a grandson: Michael Kodl; his parents: Austin and Marian; his brother: Chester Palmer; his sister-in-law: Marlys Palmer; and brother-in-law: Gary Cardwell.

He is survived by his children: Daniel Palmer of Thorp, Karen (George) Kowieski of Madison, Gregory (Diane) Palmer of Stillwater, MN, Peter Palmer of Thorp, Jeanette (Kenneth) Kodl of Thorp, and Fred (Heather) Palmer of Thorp; his grandchildren: Janell Palmer, Brett (Brittney) Palmer, Angela Kowieski, Jason Kowieski, Jon (Alexa) Kowieski, Lisa (Chad) Peterson, Kyle Palmer, Tyler Palmer, Derek Kodl, Amy Kodl, Lynnsie Palmer, and Benjamin Palmer; his great-grandchildren: Beckem Palmer, Breya Palmer, Jocelo Perez, Jasilene Perez, Jadira Perez, Theodore Peterson, Kennedy Peterson, and Madison Peterson, his siblings: Arlys (John) Brown, Hazen Palmer, Evalou Stickland, Dean (Carol) Palmer, Patricia Cardwell, Darryll (Beth) Palmer, and Sandra (Richard) Stotesbery.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp, with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. Rev. Baskaran Sandhiyagu will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Thorp American Legion Post #118. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Brett Palmer, Jason Kowieski, Jon Kowieski, Kyle Palmer, Tyler Palmer, and Derek Kodl.

Donald dedicated his life to his family and friends, and was at peace joining his loving wife Mary, in heaven.