Jerry O. Palmer, 76, of Keokuk, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
Jerry was born on January 18, 1948, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Eldon and Louise (Johnson) Palmer. He graduated from Keokuk High School in 1966, and on June 8, 1968, he was united in marriage to Kathy Palmer at the First Presbyterian Church in Keokuk. She survives. Jerry worked his entire life in the Keokuk area as a welder, eventually opening up his own shop, Jerry’s Welding, in 1977, where he served his community the rest of his life. Jerry’s handiwork can be seen on most building projects in and around the Keokuk area throughout his lifetime. Always the entrepreneur, he also co-created Room-4-More, Storage in Keokuk and sold boats in addition to his welding. If it had a motor, Jerry was excited about it. He flew planes, rode Harleys and ATV’s, water-skied, and most of all, loved fast cars, drag and circle-track racing throughout the tri-state area. His ’66 Chevelle was his pride and joy. His love of cars was only matched by his love of traveling, mostly to areas with good casinos.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Kathy Palmer of Keokuk; his only son Daryl (Sarena) Palmer of Hamilton; five grandchildren: Taylor (Fiance Kodi) Palmer of Burgaw, North Carolina, Carter Palmer of St. Louis, Missouri, Landon Palmer of Troy, Illinois, Adaline Palmer of Hamilton, Illinois, and Izzabella Swinderman of Troy, Illinois; a great-grandson Cameron Palmer of St. Louis, Missouri; three siblings: Robert (Patty) Palmer of Keokuk, Carol May of Montrose, and Danny (Debbie) Palmer of Gladstone, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Everett and Wanda Hammel, and his brother Steven Palmer.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, with burial to follow at Scandinavian Cemetery in rural Keokuk. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 30, from 2 to 7 pm, with family meeting friends from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to City of Christmas or Keokuk Animal Services.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
