Robert H. Palmer

Robert H. Palmer age 85 of Harbor Springs, went to be with his Lord on September 1, 2015. 

Bob’s life will be remembered, and celebrated during a memorial service that will take place this Sunday, September 6, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the Trinity Missionary Church in Petoskey; Pastor Steve Beigle will officiate. 

He was born Robert Hoover Palmer on March 9, 1930 to Montie and Margaret (Fissel) Palmer in Danville, Illinois.  His early years were spent in Eaton Rapids, where he was raised at the VFW National Home for Children.  He graduated from high school in 1948 and went on to attend the University of Michigan, earning first a Bachelor’s Degree and then his Master’s Degree in 1953.

On December 10, 1949 Bob married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Joann Jowett; together they have shared 65 wonderful years.

Bob’s professional life began when he accepted a position with Owens Corning Fiberglass and following a series of moves with the company he settled for a time in California.  Eventually Bob returned to Michigan by taking a job with the Whirlpool Corporation in the Sales and Marketing Division, remaining with Whirlpool until he retired.  For a number of years after his initial retirement he also worked for Michigan Gas Utilities. 

Bob and Joann moved to Northern Michigan settling near Harbor Springs.  Always wanting to stay active Bob became a Golf Ranger at Boyne Highlands and later at Birchwood Country Club, where he was known to everyone as “Monday Bob”.  He made many friends at Birchwood and loved his time there. He enjoyed sports and followed his favorited teams passionately both at the high school level and at his alma mater the University of Michigan.  

Bob was also a man of deep and abiding faith and an active participant at Trinity Missionary Church in Petoskey. He also enjoyed the fellowship he shared with his friends at the Tuesday morning Bible study at the First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Springs.  He was very involved in bringing Young Life Ministries to our area.  He was a member of Kiwanis and also enjoyed his involvement with Beyond the Scoreboard, Score and Men Mending America. 

More than anything Bob loved people.  He loved connecting with others and was always open to a new friendship.  He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and had a real gift for putting people at ease.  His love, his guidance and above all his presence in the lives of his family and those close to him will truly be missed.

Surviving Bob is his loving wife Joann and their children Jayne (Steve) Owen, Nancy (Lonnie) Atherton, Mark Robert Palmer, Jill (Bob) Ball and Scott Jowett Palmer; six grandchildren Nathan (Karen) Owen, Sarah (David) Hoffner, Travis Kunkel, Carson Ball, Max Ball and Blade Palmer; six great grandchildren Mackenzie, Cooper and Bailey Owen and Owen, Josiah and Lucy Hoffner; brother Richard Norenberg and several nieces and nephews. 

Those wishing to remember Bob with a charitable contribution are asked by his family to consider Young Life of Little Traverse Bay or Hiland Cottage through Hospice of Little Traverse Bay.   

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