Obituary of William R. Palmer
William R. Palmer, age 82, passed away Friday, December 2, 2022, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Born November 29, 1940, in Joliet to the late William M. and Myrtle Palmer, Bill was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School, Joliet Catholic High School, and Joliet Junior College. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in education from Illinois State University. Bill spent over 30 years teaching high school social studies at both Joliet East and Joliet Central before retiring in 1996.
On July 1, 1967, Bill married Mercedes Balan, and the two most recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. Together they raised two children, daughter Alison (Brian) Hart and son William Nick (Laura) Palmer. Bill is also survived by eight grandchildren: Natalie, Isabella, Kaitlyn, and Juliana Hart, and Abigail, William Grant, Ryan, and Brenna Palmer. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Marcella Metzger and Delores Jirele.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial visitation for Bill will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 4-8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following morning, Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 337 S. Ottawa St., Joliet. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Bill’s name can be made to Sacred Heart Church in Joliet or a charity of your choice.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
