John G. Palmer

John G. Palmer Born December 29, 1947, Died October 18, 2021

Composed by John G. Palmer.

Age 73 years, as the eldest of 6 children, born to Roy (Wuzzy) and Elizabeth (Betty) Palmer of Monroe, Michigan. Survived by Geri, my beloved and caring wife of 32 years, also survived by my son, Alan (Shauna), Siblings: Jim (Katie) of  Monroe, Michigan, Robert (Becky) of Granger, Ind., Ann Palmer of Monroe, Mi. Barb (Bill) Stefko of Prudenville, Mi., David (Ann) of Monroe, Mi., In-laws, Joe (deceased) Donna Roman, Frank (deceased) Wendee Thiel, Mary (Steve) Marshall and several nieces and nephews.  A special bond with nephew Jeremy.

Graduated from Monroe Catholic Central High School.  My father was owner of Gratton Construction Company where I worked my high-school summers. Went on to graduate from the University of Michigan in Civil Engineering.  A member of Sigma Pi Fraternity.  Upon graduating I was drafted and stationed at Second Armored Division Headquarters in Fort Hood, Texas.  After Texas, during the Vietnam War as Sergeant I obtained a top military clearance and was responsible for division readiness for possible rapid Vietnam deployment upon discharge from the Army. I worked for Townsend & Bottum in Ann Arbor, Mi. for over 10 years.  I worked on Power Plant construction in Pittsburgh, Pa. and Holland, Mi. during the Townsend & Bottum buyout of local Lindblad Construction Co. I was then transferred and I called Joliet my new home.  As owner of Preferred Management Corp.I enjoyed a career in both real estate and construction spending over 30 years at Remax Realty & Coldwell Banker of Shorewood.  My passion was construction  .I managed the restoration of the historic Rialto Square Theatre in the 1980's. I was most proud of being Project Manager in the 1990's for the original Empress Casino, Illinois's first Casino.  The almost impossible construction schedule and opening date were met.  During this time I developed a lifelong relationship with Ed McGowan, one of the original owners of the Empress.   My wife Geri and I built in Shorewood and enjoyed 30 years in a peaceful community.  Vacations were enjoyed in California, Arizona, Florida, Boston and Mexico but most of all our favorite vacation was the eleven trips to Maui.  During the past three years Geri has given endless care to me.  Her desire to make everything day in and day out comforting for me.  Everything was for me not for  herself.  Words cannot describe her unending compassion for others. I told people this and their reply was, "That's Geri"  Daily phone conversations and frequent visits with son Alan were always a highlight.  Alan being a boilermaker on Nuclear Plant Refueling & Maintenance would discuss the daily activities.  Fishing, being a part of every discussion, Alan would always win the fishing contest but I loved it.  Our bond was unbreakable.  I enjoyed all visits from family and friends, especially my youngest brother, David and  Ann, who meant the world to me and Sunday visits from Jane.  God bless my daughter Valerie (Jason) Miller and grandsons Brayden, Andrew and Jaxson.

In lieu of flowers donations to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated.

According to my wishes, cremation rites were accorded.  Memorial visitation will be Sunday. At Tezak Funeral Home 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet from 3p.m. to 7p.m.  Prayer service will be at 6:30 p.m.  Funeral Services will take place on Monday at 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home, then going in procession to Abraham Lincoln National cemetery in Elwood,Il.

PISUT FUNERAL SERVICES

815-722-0998

IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS