J. Robert Palmer

J. Robert Palmer, 80, of Marshalltown, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Harmony Care Center.

A memorial service for Bob will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Bob and his family. Memorial contributions in Bob’s name will be used to help local fire departments, in Green Mountain and Marshalltown, providing a bench or picnic table or another preference.

J. Robert Palmer was born on August 25, 1944 in Frostburg, Maryland. He was the son of John Hunter and Mary Lorraine (Harvey) Palmer, known as Jack and Lorraine, and the brother of John "Jack" Harvey Palmer. Known to all as Bob, he graduated from Western Illinois University in 1968 with his Bachelor’s degree. On August 14, 1965, Bob was united in marriage to Marilyn Jean Nelson in Henry, Illinois. Bob had owned and operated American Aluminum Seating, Inc. Together, Bob and Marilyn lived in Henry, Illinois; Macomb, Illinois; Kewanee, Illinois; and Washington, Illinois, before coming home to Marshalltown in 1978. Bob was a political enthusiast and was always up to date with the current political scene. He was also an avid cat lover.

Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Marilyn. Children: James C. (Rachel) Palmer of Marshalltown and Wesley W. (Lucia) Palmer of Lake Zurich, Illinois. Grandchildren: McKaylee Palmer, Jadyn Palmer, Nicholas Palmer and Isabella Palmer.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Palmer, his dog, Maddy, and cats, Alley and Peter.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lorraine, and brother, Jack.