Jean Palmer, age 80, went home to heaven at her daughter’s home in Elcho surrounded by her family at her side on November 29, 2016. She was under the care of Melissa Palmer Brown, with special thanks to LeRoyer Hospice for their assistance.
She was born July 17, 1936 in Crandon, daughter of the late Frank Bocek, Sr. and Govie Estelle (Bellamy) Bocek. She married William Edward Palmer on September 28, 1954 in Illinois, and he preceded her in death on January 27, 1990.
Jean was raised in Milwaukee, where she later worked at a sewing factory. She moved to Elcho in the 1960s, where she raised her family and dedicated her entire life to raising her children and grandchildren.
She was a homemaker and wonderful mother. Her family loved her cooking. She was very artistic and loved drawing and doing crafts, late night walks, camping, and being outdoors. She had a love of animals, especially her cat Speckydoodles.
Jean was a member of Upper Room Family Church, and formerly attended Monico Church. She was God-loving and strong in her faith, which never wavered.
Survivors include 2 sons, Andrew Palmer (Sherry Spofford) of Green Bay, and William Palmer of Rhinelander; 3 daughters, Jeanne (Steve) Volkman of Antigo, Andrea (Michael) Wanca of Antigo, and Melissa (Terry) Brown of Elcho; 3 grandsons who she raised as sons, John Pergler of Fond du Lac, Justin Pergler of Monico, and Jimi Palmer (Kayla Andraschko) of Antigo; 16 grandchildren, Joshua Caraballo, Kahla Caraballo, Cheyenne Volkman, Jessica Volkman, Jacob Paul Wurtinger, Colton Tyler Wurtinger, Landon Wanca, Brodie Wanca, Emma Pergler-Wanca, Sarah Greiger, Tony Brown, Allen Brown, Keisha Hasby, Tonya Palmer, Lynn Palmer, and Nathaniel Palmer; 9 great-grandchildren, Dade Bauknecht, Isaiah Bauknecht, Emma Pergler-Wanca, Monica Yarber, Mikayla Yarber, Trevon Yarber, Aaliyah Yarber, Cam’Ron Yarber, and Damajion Yarber; a great-grandson and great-granddaughter on the way; a brother, Frank (Patricia) Bocek, Jr. of Crandon; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughters, Susan Rae and Dawn Marie Palmer; her children lost in infancy, David, Rachel, and Dana Palmer; a great-granddaughter, Yazmariah Yarber; and her brother, Cyril “Ike” Held.
A funeral service will take place on Monday at noon at Upper Room Family Church, with Pastor Shane Wheeler officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 until the time of the service at the church. Interment will follow the service at Elcho Cemetery.