Harold "Bud" E. Palmer

Racine- Harold “Bud” E. Palmer, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 1, 2008. Bud was born in Prairie du Chien, WI on February 4, 1928 to the late Harold E. and Edith (nee: Valley) Palmer. Tragically, Bud’s father died one month prior to his birth. A graduate of Prairie du Chien High School, he went on to study police science. Bud has lived in Racine for most of his life. Bud faithfully served our Country with the United States Army in the Korean War. He was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mildred M. Kohn on September 26, 1953 in Gary, Indiana. Shortly after, a second ceremony was held in St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Racine. With a profound Catholic faith, Bud and Millie are members of St. Sebastian Parish in Sturtevant. Bud had been employed by Belle City Malleable, the Racine Police Department and Twin Disc, retiring in 1985. Through the years, Bud and Millie were proud host parents for several foreign exchange students. Bud and Millie had accomplished vacationing in all 50 states. They also enjoyed their winter home in Florence, Arizona and were able to visit friends in many different countries. Bud was a devoted volunteer driver for the American Red Cross, a volunteer usher at the Racine Theatre Guild, and a member of the Racine Police Benevolent Assn. Bud and Millie shared the experience of being foster parents for two babies. Bud also drove a school bus for special needs children in Racine. Among his interests, Bud was an extreme sports fan. He was an avid golfer, Brewers fan and Packers fan. Above all, he was a phenomenal husband, father and grandfather, who will be deeply missed. Surviving are his loving wife of over 54 years, Millie of Racine; children, Thomas Palmer of Milwaukee; Susan Whorley of Racine; Cheri (James) Curtin of Woodinville, WA; and Marc Palmer of Racine; grandchildren, Ali and Nick Whorley; Madeline and James Palmer Curtin; extended children of the foreign exchange program, Setsuko Miura of Japan and Martin Lindgren of Sweden; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and cherished friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his brother, Robert (Helen) Palmer. In accordance with Bud’s wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3126-95th St. in Sturtevant, on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 11:00 am with Rev. Mark L. Molling officiating. A reception will follow the Mass in the church hall. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 10-11 am. Entombment, with military honors, will take place on Friday, February 8th, at S. WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 9:00 am. In memory of Bud, memorials to Heifer International, American Macular Degeneration Foundation, or to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society have been suggested. A special note of thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane and his staff; and to the staffs of Wheaton Franciscan Infusion Center and 2D floor for all the compassionate care and support in our time of need. God bless all of you!