John M. Palmer

John M. Palmer, 82, Wausau, died Friday March 2, 2018, at the home of his daughter in Wausau. He was born December 12, 1935, in Grafton, West Virginia, son of the late John S. and Freda (Jolitz) Palmer. On June 9, 1962, he married Suzanne Williams in Ottumwa, Iowa. She preceded him in death August 3, 2013. John began his career in Education as a sixth-grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School in Wausau. During this period in time he met his future wife, Suzanne, who was a high school teacher at Wausau High School. In 1966, he became the first principal at the newly built Franklin Elementary. In 1969, the Palmers moved to Albia, Iowa, to be near family, with John as a school principal and Suzanne continuing her high school teaching. John retired in 1998 and enjoyed traveling with family. They took many cruises and visited all 50 states. He had a passion for music and a beautiful baritone voice, which he shared lovingly with several community theaters in Albia, Ottumwa, and Wausau. Growing up in West Virginia, John had a longstanding love of trains. Through the years, he attended many family sporting events and served as an armchair coach for the Packers, Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs. Survivors include his daughter, Cathy (Dr. Leon) Veldhuizen, Wausau, two grandsons, Jacob and Joshua. Besides his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Alice Nicola. Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday March 10, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Wausau. Rev. Sue Kruger will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Church Columbarium. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established to support St. John's Organ Renovation Project. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com