Gerald Palmer, 83, of Perry passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at the King’s Garden Campus of the Perry Lutheran Homes in Perry, Iowa.
Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, Feb. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 16 from 1-7 p.m., with family present from 4-7 p.m. and an Elks Lodge funeral ritual and Rosary to follow beginning at 7 p.m. at the Carris Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care in Perry. Burial will be at the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, Iowa.
Gerald Ray Palmer was born June 7, 1939, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Albert Wesley and Velma Grace (Pierce) Palmer.
He attended school at Coon Rapids High School, graduating with the class of 1957.
Gerald was united in marriage to Arlene Frances Terlisner at St. Patrick Church in Kandiyohi, Minnesota, on Jan. 27, 1962.
He worked at Central Dairy in Wilmar, Minnesota, Iowa Pork and then Oscar Mayer in Perry for 25 years, Pace warehouse in Des Moines, Park View Mobile Home Park in Grimes and Waukee and as valet at the Hotel Pattee and Dallas County Hospital.
Gerald was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry and the Knights of Columbus, as treasurer for many years, and an honorary life member of the Perry Elks Lodge, member of UFCW local 1149 and the Moose Lodge.
He enjoyed camping, inventing in his garage, golfing, coaching sports and watching sports on TV.
Gerald loved watching his children and grandchildren and going to the Boone Speedway. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends.
In death he rejoins his parents, Albert and Velma Palmer; brother, Donald (Janice) Palmer; and a sister, Rita (Ernest) Knoll.
Left to cherish Gerald’s memory are his wife, Arlene Palmer; children, Cheryl (Delbert) Moore, Steven (Shelley) Palmer, Patricia (Craig) Van Cleave, Sandra (Doug) Stone and Brian (Beth) Palmer; grandchildren, Amanda (fiancé Shannon Kelley) Moore, Jacob (Jennie) Moore, Sharaya Palmer, Brandon (Kelsey Walters) Van Cleave, Daniel Moore, Savanna Palmer, Sydney Stone, Owen Palmer and London Stone; great-grandchildren, Aiden Moore, Wilson Moore, Sullivin Kelley and Frances “Frankie” Kelley.
Memorials will be given to St. Pat’s Foundation and may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.carrisfuneralhome.com.
