Herbert Palmer, 89

Herbert "Bill" Palmer, 89, of Welch, died Saturday, Aug. 4, surrounded by loved ones, in hospice care at the Red Wing Health Center, after a 3-year battle with prostate cancer.

He was born on Nov. 18, 1922, in Springfield, Minn., to Hubert and Evagene (Lockwood) Palmer. He moved with his family to northern Minnesota and attended Ball Club schools near Deer River. He spoke often about working on his family farm and logging forest up north. He had a fondness of hunting and worked as a fishing guide for resorts in the Deer River area.

He then joined the U.S. Navy after the attacks on Pearl Harbor during World War II, where he served proudly as a cook aboard the USS Sullivan. On board this vessel, there were a number of actions he encountered, mainly recalling the bombardment of the island of Iwo Jima in the 1944 which he held his post as powderman for 3 straight days and nights. After his service in the South Pacific, he spent time stationed in Alaska.

Following his discharge, he lived in California with his first wife and five children before moving back to Minnesota. He worked for various construction and mining operations over the years around the Grand Rapids area. His last employment was with ELECTRO-FAB while he lived at the Veterans Home in Hastings when he met his significant other.

After retiring, affectionately known as "Pa," he was able to provide care for his granddaughter "Innis" during the day for many years. For nearly 30 years, he had been living in Eggleston with his partner, near Welch, where he enjoyed telling his stories to close friends and family with a cup of coffee when he wasn't busy in his shed, woodworking, or taking care of his roses. Up to his final months, he enjoyed feeding and watching birds on the front porch, most fondly his large gathering of hummingbirds during the summer, and he continued to adore riding his garden-tractor around the neighborhood with his great-grandson "Barney" as often as possible.

Survivors include one son, Pat Palmer; one sister, Joyce ("Red" Kenneth) Grife; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his significant other and partner of over 30 years, Audrey Chramosta; granddaughter Audra "Innis" Meighan-Hanson; great-grandsons Kayden "Barney" Wells; extended family Jodie (Chramosta) Meighan, David Meighan, Patricc Meighan, Keith Chramosta, Scott Hanson, and Brett Hanson; also nieces, nephews, close friends and dear neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his children Kelly, Timothy "Sid," and Michael Palmer and Laurie Miller; his brothers, Lyle, Elroy "Pete," Jack, Donald "Shep," Elmo "Button," and sister Joan.

Burial of cremated remains, with military honors, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, assembly area #4. A celebration of Palmer's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, in Eggleston-22675 County 18 Blvd., Welch.

Online condolences may be sent to www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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