Allan Palmer

Allan Palmer, 83, of Mt. Carroll, died Saturday August 12th, 2023.

He was born on September 18, 1939, to Helen (Engles) and Howard Palmer. They lived in Pleasant Valley and moved to Mt. Carroll, where he attended high school. He was a member of the graduating class of 1957. He was a life-long member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll.

He married Jo Ann Katzenberger on June 25, 1960 and they have four children: Vaughn, Kevin (Linda), Deanna (Michael) Cunningham and Denise (David) Whitney.

Allan was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He never missed a deer hunting season. He always looked forward to mushroom hunting and horseradish harvesting. He and Jo Ann tended to their extensive garden well into each fall. Allan traveled to all fifty states and often got there by taking the most scenic back roads. New Mexico was their special place they returned to each winter. He appreciated the beauty of America and his own land. He will be laid to rest in a casket crafted from a beloved walnut tree from his timber.

Allan was a Standard Oil agent from 1964 to 1981 and farmed with his parents. He continued to farm for many years on his own. In later years he worked for R.C. Smith Motorcoach in Morrison, Curtis & Son’s John Deere in Lanark, and Carroll County Transit. He and Jo Ann owned The Washery car wash and laundry and Kraft’s Fashions on Main. For many years they enjoyed cooking for and visiting with their Country Palmer House Bed & Breakfast guests.

He was a member of the Mt. Carroll Jaycees and held several offices statewide. In 1975 he was honored as a Life Member to the Jaycees International. He was a former member of the Lions Club, the Mt. Carroll Schoolboard, and Mt. Carroll Chamber of Commerce. In 2020 he was recognized as a Master Mason for 50 years of service and membership. This fraternal organization of men from various faiths meant a lot to Allan. They believe in the universal brotherhood of man. Throughout the years he was on many committees at the Lutheran Church and helped with the weekly pie baking and Farmer’s Market.

Allan is survived by his wife, children, and 6 grandchildren: Allison Marzinzik, Bryce Palmer, Cindy Palmer, Margaret Cunningham, Claire Whitney, Lauren Whitney, and one great granddaughter Sophia Marzinzik. He is also survived by his sister Ruth Ann (Boyd) Remrey and Gene (Sharon) Semple, his cousin who was like a brother. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Josh Palmer.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 17, at The First Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll with Pastor Bob Stark officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. A Masonic Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, at the funeral home before the visitation. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll.

In lieu of flowers you would be honoring him by making a donation to the Mount Carroll Community Foundation: https://www.qccommunityfoundation.org/mountcarrollcommunityfoundation or The First Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll.