Jack A. Palmer

Jack Palmer, 84, of Stevensville, passed away on December 16, 2004 of complications from Parkinson?s disease. Jack was born July 20, 1920 in St. Joseph, Michigan to Herbert & Frieda (Gross) Palmer. He was married to Theresa Mandarino on November 15, 1942 in St. Joseph. Jack served his country in the European Theater during WWII. He was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge and received an Honorary Discharge with the rank of Staff Sergeant and two purple hearts. He was a life long resident of the area and a real sports fan; especially football, fishing, and golf. Throughout his life, Jack was recognized for the quality of his work including his employment with Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor Engineering, and his private plastering business. In addition to his wife of sixty-two years, Theresa, he is survived by two sons?William Palmer of Sacramento and Jack Palmer Jr. of Redding CA; two grandchildren?Joshua and Cora; sister, Patricia Ott of Bridgman, MI. Jack was especially close to his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their families. He was preceded in death by one brother & seven sisters. Friends may visit with the family at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph on Friday, December 17, 2004 from 6 to 8 PM where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 AM Saturday, December 18, 2004 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church Street, St. Joseph, with Fr. Thomas Martin & Fr. William Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by Coloma American Legion Post #362, VFW Post #1137 of Benton Harbor, and VFW Post 6803 of Watervliet. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials donations be made to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation or the charity of the donor?s choice. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.