Our Staff

Kent R. and Dolores Palmer

Founders

Kent graduated from Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1958. He was a member of Lakeville United Methodist Church, North Liberty Masonic Lodge #266 F & AM, Shrine Club of South Bend, North Liberty OES #290, Past Patron, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, Orak Temple AAONMS of Michigan City, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, White Shrine of Jerusalem #10, Rebekah Lodge, Avalon Grotto and BPO Elks, San Carlos Golf Club, Fort Myers, FL and 4-Lakes Country Club-Edwardsburg, MI.

He was also a member of Mercator Club and North Liberty Lion's Club. He had foresight and energy and a compassion for people. He served for 35 years in his profession never tiring of serving families. He leaves a wonderful legacy to his sons. Kent R. Palmer passed away on December 5th, 2006.

K. R. Palmer

Co-Owner

K. R. is co-owner of the Palmer Funeral Homes, Southlawn Cemetery and Palmer Pet Services. He has been part of the family business since 1984. He received his associate degree from Purdue University and mortuary science degree from Mid-American College and finished his bachelor degree from Bethel College in 2012. He is on the board of directors for the River Park Business Association. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children - Christian, Graham, and Meredith.

Kerry Palmer

Co-Owner

Kerry is the co-owner of the Palmer Funeral Homes, Southlawn Cemetery and Palmer Pet Services.  He has been active in the family business since 1992 after earning a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, West Lafayette and a mortuary science degree from Worsham College. Kerry is a member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church, Lakeville Lions Club and Lakeville Masonic Lodge. He is a board member for the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair. Kerry and his wife, Sandy, have a blended family with five children - Isaac, Lucas, Simon, Casey and Carley.  

Tracy Faudree

Office Manager

Tracy Faudree has served as a family service counselor and director of operations for the Palmer Funeral Homes for 30 years. He is a lifelong resident of South Bend, and he attends Trinity Evangelical Free Church, where he serves as organist, sings in the Chancel Choir, and is a Connection Group Leader. Married to his wife, Donna, for 35 years, they enjoy traveling and attending Notre Dame football and basketball games. He is a member, organist, and Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge #45, F. & AM. in South Bend.

Frank Gorny

Funeral Director

Frank was born and raised in Mishawaka graduating from Mishawaka High School in 1982 and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1986 and started working with Bubb Funeral Chapel in January of 1991 and staying with the Palmer Funeral Home after they purchased Bubb Funeral Chapel in May of 2020.

Frank and his wife Joanne live in Mishawaka are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church Mishawaka.

Frank is a member of the Knights of Columbus Ave Maria Council # 5521. 

Eric VanMeter

Funeral Director

Eric  Van Meter joined the Palmer Funeral Home team on June 1, 2020.  Eric has been in the Funeral Business for over 20 years and is licensed in both Indiana and Michigan. He is a parishioner at St. Matthew Cathedral and is active in the Knights of Columbus. He is married to his wife, Alice and they have 3 children, including their daughter, Olivia.

Kellie Jerue

Funeral Director

Kellie became part of the Palmer Funeral Home staff in 2017 as a funeral assistant. Driven by her passion for supporting families, she pursued further education, earning her Mortuary Science degree from Ivy Tech Community College. Before joining Palmers, she devoted over 15 years to caring for others as a medical assistant in the Michiana area.

A lifelong resident of Buchanan, Kellie and her husband, Jeff, have built their home in the community, raising their two sons, Jeffery (Taitum) and Brandon (Alexandra). Family remains at the heart of her life, and her two grandchildren, Cameron and Jersey, bring her endless joy.

Now serving as manager of Palmer Funeral Homes’ newest location, Hoven Chapel in Buchanan, Kellie is honored to provide compassionate care and guidance to families in her hometown, ensuring every service is handled with dignity and respect.

Justin M. Goodman

Funeral Director

Justin returns to Palmer Funeral Homes to proudly serve the community that he loves.  He is a 2000 graduate of Penn High School where he played on the Kingsmen Football Team and Rugby Team.  In 2004, Justin graduated with honors from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois, with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science.  Justin was selected by the faculty of Worsham College to receive the “John D. Tomczak Scholarship”, recognizing his professionalism in the funeral industry.  He also was awarded the “Jack Adams” Dodge Award for receiving the highest combined scores in Embalming and Restorative Art.

Justin has one daughter, Gabriella, who attends John Young Middle School.  Besides being a dad, one of his greatest joys is riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle.  Justin is a national member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, plus a member of the local River Valley Chapter of the AMCA.  Prior to his return to Palmer Funeral Homes, he was an “over-the-road” Semi-Truck Driver, driving nearly three-quarters of a million miles across America with just a road map.  Justin deeply respects our Veterans, and all men and women who have paid freedom’s price.  He carries with him a true American Patriotic Spirit.

Brandon Cooper

Funeral Director

Brandon joined the Palmer’s staff in July of 2021. Brandon attended Mid America College of Funeral Service and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Funeral Service Management as well as his Associate's degree in Mortuary Science. Brandon served his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has spent his adult life in emergency services; attending the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy class 2011-194 then Goshen Hospital’s Paramedic Program. He still retains his certification for law enforcement and paramedicine. Brandon is a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the FOP lodge #130.

Brandon lives in Plymouth and is married to his wife Jessica and together they have two kids; Kendall and Kamden. Brandon and Jess attend Plymouth Wesleyan Church.  Brandon is licensed in both Indiana and Michigan.

Aaron Wagers

Funeral Director

Aaron joined the Palmer’s staff in January of 2022. Aaron graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service receiving a degree in Mortuary Science. Aaron was a career firefighter/EMT before joining the Palmer’s staff. He is still active as a part-time/volunteer firefighter/EMT for the city of Plymouth. Aaron is married to Miranda and they have two children together, daughter Adalyn Grace and son Beckham Brian. They currently reside in Plymouth. 

Dave Tinsley

Funeral Director

Dave joined the staff of Palmer Funeral Homes in August of 2017. He started his career working for a small funeral home in his hometown while in high school. He then went on to graduate with honors at Vincennes University in 1988 and also received membership to the National Dean's List. Dave has been passionately serving families for 30 years in other cities including Los Angeles, California as well as Marion and Warsaw, both here in Indiana. Dave has three children, Elisa, Jayme and David; and three grandchildren, Molly, Rachel and Jacob; and loves animals, especially his cat, Charlie, and his dog, Brutus. Dave is of the Wesleyan faith and enjoys sporting events and spending time with his family.

Jim Benner

Funeral Director

Jim joined Palmer Funeral Homes in July of 2024. He was born and raised in Wabash County, IN and spent the majority of his funeral service career working in the Marion and Wabash area. Jim graduated from Southwood High School, attended Ball State University, then graduated with honors from Mid-America College of funeral service. He is married to his wife Bev and between them they have 2 daughters, 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. Jim enjoys aviation and being outside.

Sequoya Elder

Funeral Director

Sequoya joined Palmer’s staff in December of 2023, after gaining valuable experience at Rannells Funeral Home for two and half years. In 2021 he graduated with honors from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor's degree in Pre-Law then continued his academic journey at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 2023.  Outside of work, Sequoya enjoys spending time with his fiancé Faith and their Frenchie, "Charlie"; pursuing hobbies like fishing, golfing, and watching movies.  His ultimate goal is to positively impact people during some of the toughest moments of their lives, aiming to be a source of comfort and guidance when they need it most.

Jacob Rhodes

Funeral Director

Jacob was born and raised in Milford, Indiana. He graduated from Wawasee High School and graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in 2019. Jacob enjoys lifting weights, disc golf, volleyball and spending time with his family. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Pierceton.

William A. Welsheimer, Jr.

Funeral Director

Bill Welsheimer was born March 25, 1952 to Anne and Bill Welsheimer and has been a South Bend/Mishawaka resident his entire life.  He is a graduate of South Bend LaSalle High School, Hanover College with a BA in Business Administration and Indiana College of Mortuary Science.  Bill was employed by the Welsheimer Funeral Home, founded by his grandparents, Ruth and Arthur Welsheimer in 1941, since 1975.  He met his wife of 43 years, Mary, in college, and they have two children, Drew and Holly.  He was active in the running community for many years and was fortunate enough to qualify twice for the Boston Marathon.  Bill is a member of First United Methodist Church of South Bend where he serves as a member of the church leadership team and Treasurer.  He has also been an active board member of Hamilton Grove Retirement Community, South Bend Heritage Foundation, Center for Hospice Care and a number of other community organizations. 

Norman L. Bone

Funeral Director

Norm became part of the Palmer Funeral Home Staff in April of 1999. In June of 2007 Norman retired after 37 years of serving our community  as a Funeral Director. He retired to spend more time with his wife Caroline of 37 years, his daughter and son–in-law, Beth and Jay and granddaughters Katelyn and Lauren. Although he has retired, Norman still responds when called upon.

Tom Hickey, III

Funeral Director

Tom is a 1974 graduate of John Adams High school and Miami-Dade College, Miami, Florida with a Associate in Science degree in Mortuary Science. He is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.  Tom joined the Palmer Funeral Home after the acquisition of the Hickey Funeral Home in September 2009, which served the Michiana area over 72 years.  Tom is married with 3 children, a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and an active member in Roseland Rotary Club, South Bend.

Kristi Palmer

Co-Manager Southlawn Cemetery, Monument Design Consultant, Prearrangement and After Care Counselor

Kristi received her B.S. from Purdue University in 1988. She taught special education and was also a Regional Sales Manager for in home sales until joining her brothers at the funeral homes in June of 2002. Kristi is the co-manager for Southlawn Cemetery and design consultant for all of our monument and marker sales. She also assists families with pre-arranging their funerals. She is the mother of two children, Leigha and Landon. and they attend North Liberty Church of Christ.  Her direct number for Monument or Marker sales is 574-292-5923.

Shauna Luthringer

Prearrangement Specialist

Since 1993 Shauna has been listening and helping loved ones honor families lives through funeral pre arrangement relieving both an emotional as well as a financial burden. In addition to funeral pre arrangement and aftercare, Shauna is a Saging Circle Facilitator through Brainworks Memorial Hospital.  She has also been involved with South Bend School Corporation’s Women with Wisdom. She is married to John and they have a daughter Vaushna, son-in-law Leo, and four grandchildren Ty, Reilly, Braxton and Avery. They are members at North Liberty Church of Christ.

Jamie Hall

Prearrangement and After Care Counselor

Jamie joined our staff at Southlawn Cemetery in January 2011. She assists families with preplanning and after care.   Jamie is married to Gary and they have a daughter, Julia. She and her family attend Lakeville United Methodist Church

Lynne Panfil

Prearrangement and After Care Counselor

Wendi Scoles

Prearrangement and After Care Counselor

Wendi joined the Palmer Funeral Homes family in January 2021. She served as a Deputy Coroner in St. Joseph County for 4 years and currently is a Deputy Coroner in Elkhart County. She is married to Jason and has 3 daughters, Holli, Emily and Chloe.

Jenn Bang

Administrative Assistant

Jenn joined the Palmer Family in July 2018, and serves as an administrative secretary at Palmer Funeral Home, Guisinger Chapel.  She graduated from Manchester University in 1990 with her degree in Business Management.  Jenn is married to Earl Bang; and their daughter, Devin is a sophmore at the University of Findlay. 

Cindy Foley

Administrative Assistant

Cindy joined the staff of Palmer Funeral Homes in September 2018, serving as a secretary at our River Park Chapel.  A native of Michigan, Cindy moved to South Bend several years ago with her husband, Kerry.  Prior to joining Palmer's, she worked for Erica's Sewing Center for 12 years.

Steph Kiefer

Administrative Assistant

Stephanie joined Palmer Funeral Homes in 2020 as a secretary after being a director’s assistant for Welsheimer’s Family Funeral Home since 2014. She has an associate degree from Southwestern Michigan College.   She is a lifelong resident of the area and has three children and four grandchildren. Stephanie enjoys nature photography, being on the lake and get-togethers at the family cabin.

Kim Buss

Office Administrator Southlawn Cemetery

Kim joined the Palmer family in October 2019 and serves as the office administrator at Southlawn Cemetery.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing from Indiana University in 1988.  Kim spent 31 years in the credit union industry.  She attends St. Jude's Church, South Bend. She enjoys Notre Dame football and girls basketball games; Cubs baseball; the outdoors; landscaping and gardening; and spending time with Grace her Old English Sheepdog.

Bettie Jackson

Funeral Assistant

Bettie joined Palmer Funeral Home in October 2015.  She has  one daughter Shalonda, three grandchildren Michael,Tori, and Brad.  Bettie graduated from Washington High School, OIC, and she attended Ivy Tech.  Bettie is a faithful  member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she is the Church Financial Secretary; she is on the Board of Trustee, sings in the choir, and attends Bible Study and Sunday School. Her favororite past time is spending time with her mother, grandchildren, and family. 

Tricia Longley

Administrative Assistant

Tricia joined the Palmer Funeral Home staff in March of 2022 and serves as an Administrative Secretary at Guisinger Chapel. Tricia graduated from IUSB in 1997 with an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies. Tricia is married to Rick Longley and they have one daughter, Audrey. She attends First Missionary Baptist Church in Buchanan, Michigan and in her spare time likes to attend various sporting events, loves going to the beach and spending time with her family and friends. 

Barb Brown

Administrative Assistant

Barb joined Palmer Funeral Homes in July of 2022 serving as a secretary at Bubb Chapel. She has worked in the funeral business for five years.  She is a member of Cornerstone Church in Mishawaka. Outside of her work, she enjoys Notre Dame anything, being outdoors, her family and friends.

Linda Lagodney

Adminstrative Assistant

Linda formerly worked at Holy Family Catholic School for 22 wonderful years as an Administrative Assistant. She has been married for 39 years and is blessed with three sons, one daughter, two daughters-in-law, and four Grandchildren. Linda joined Palmer Funeral Homes in November of 2022 as administrative assistant at West Chapel.  She can honestly say that she loves working here with everyone and she’s found everyone to be welcoming and helpful. 

Cindy Korkhouse

Administrative Assistant

Cindy joined Palmer Funeral Homes in December of 2022 serving as a secretary at Bubb Chapel.  She is a lifelong resident of the Michiana area with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management.  She’s a dog mom and has been fostering with a local rescue, Homeward Bound AWG, for many years.  She has a servant’s heart and believes in helping her community as part of a women’s group, Tri Kappa Society and through her place of worship, Granger Community Church.   

Anjali Sengupta

Anjali joined the staff of Palmer Funeral Homes in 2016 and serves as secretary at Hickey Chapel. She holds an undergraduate degree in Japanese Studies from Earlham College and a master's degree in public administration from Indiana University/Bloomington.

Audrey Longley

Administrative Assistant

Audrey joined the Palmer family in April 2025. She graduated from Lake Michigan College in 2022 with an Associates degree in Psychology while also playing for the volleyball team. She enjoys finding the best sunsets and spending time with friends and family. 

Barbara Holderbaum

Administrative Assistant

Barb is a native of the area, acquiring a BS from Purdue in 1993 after attending Penn High School. She joined Palmer Funeral Homes as an administrative assistant in September 2025. Barb and her husband (Ron) have eight children and two granddaughters. They have attended Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka for over 30 years where they have been active in the church and school communities. Barb has been a 4-H fine arts leader for over 15 years and at present has 6 children that have completed their 10 year 4H membership.

Emma Whitcraft

Administrative Assistant

Emma joined the Palmer family in October 2025. Before joining Palmers, she worked in insurance, where she learned the values of compassion and professionalism. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling. 

Jerry Klotz

Manager Southlawn Cremation Services

Jerry joined the Palmer Family in March of 2002. He is a member of The Nappanee Missionary Church. Jerry helps with the maintenance of Southlawn Cemetery and manages Southlawn Cremation Services and Palmer's Pet Services.   Jerry and his wife Pam have two children, Hayden and Hannah.

Lucas Palmer

Funeral Assistant

Lucas joined the fulltime Palmer's staff in the summer of 2021.  He brings a smiling face and positive attitude to everything he does and is an asset to our team!

Bruce Knapp

Funeral Assistant

Bruce joined Palmer Funeral Homes in 2021. Born and raised in Plymouth, IN. Married for 31 years to Amy Knapp. Three kids and three grandchildren. Graduated from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer IN. Previously worked for the City of South Bend/South Bend Tribune/RV and Mobile Home industry and Lowe’s for 7 1/2 years. Hobbies:  golf/grandkids/Notre Dame basketball. 

Matt Chase

Funeral Assistant

Matt joined Palmer Funeral Homes at the end of 2023. Matt was born and raised in Florida where his mother, brother and son still live. After High School Matt enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After a break in service, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.  Matt moved to the South Bend area with his son after honorably separating the U.S. Army to be closer to his wife and two stepdaughters. In recent years, a granddaughter has been a happy addition to the family. 

Craig Miller

Funeral Assistant

Craig joined Palmer Funeral Home in March of 2023. Born in Buchanan, Michigan and raised in Plymouth, Indiana, he has been a volunteer firefighter for 16 years with the City of Plymouth. Craig and his lovely wife, Schoreen Miller, have been married for 11 years. Craig has 3 children, Daren, Emma, Nick; and a wonderful granddaughter, Kennedy. He previously worked at Digger Specialties in Bremen, Indiana for 8 years.  Craig’s hobbies include bowling, golf, auto racing, ND football and spending time with family and friends.

Christian Palmer

Funeral Assistant

Christian is no stranger to Palmer Funeral Homes. He is the son of K.R. and Betsy Palmer. He has grown up in the business and has worked through the recent summers.  Christian graduated Class of 2023 from Hope College, majoring in Communications and minoring in Leadership.  He is working alongside his dad, learning the family business.  His enthusiasm and contribution to the staff is energetic.  

Tony McKee

Funeral Assistant

Tony joined the Palmer family in December 2010. He has a degree from IUSB. Tony and his wife, Elaine have four sons and a daughter. He is a member of Corpus Christi Church.

Jaki Schwarz

Funeral Assistant/Student

Tony Imel

Funeral Assistant

Tony Imel came to Palmer Funeral Homes in 2021 as a part-time funeral assistant.  He worked for more than 38 years in a local trucking company where he also drives the University of Notre Dame semi to all away football games.  He also works part-time at Memorial Hospital in the ER.  He is grateful and proud to be part of the Palmer’s family where he can extend kindness to others.

Dennis Mitschelen

Funeral Assistant

Dennis joined the Palmer family in January 2017. He faithfully serves in the funeral homes, doing whatever is needed to keep Palmer's at its best. He graduated from Anderson University in 1978 with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. He is a life-long resident of the Michiana area. Married to Linda for 34 years, they are the proud parents of Holly and Andrew. They attend South Side Church of God in South Bend, IN.

Ron Pressler

Cemetery/Pet services

Craig Beutel

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Craig joined Palmer Funeral Homes as a part-time Funeral Assistant June 2013 after retiring from 36 years in Sales/ServiceManagement at Jamil Packaging Corp. He married Pauline (Santerre) Beutel in 1977 and they are blessed with 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild (thus far)  They are members of the Vineyard Church and enjoy spending time with family and friends, travel and home improvement.  I am grateful and proud to be a part of the Palmer family where I can extend their kindness to others. 

Jerry Connell

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

William “Jerry” Connell joined Palmer Funeral Homes in January 2021.  He attends Ironwood United Pentecostal Church.  He loves God and his family.  Jerry is an avid golfer and deer hunter.   Jerry and his wife, Michelle have one son, Aaron and a daughter, Mindy.

Roberta Spencer

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Roberta Spencer has a Master's Degree from Jane Addams School of Social Work and certification as a pastoral minister from the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. She joined the Palmer staff with 28 years of experience with a local hospice program. She enjoys working with people and uses her knowledge about grief and loss issues to assist others. She and her husband Tom are members of Saint Anthony's Parish. They are active community volunteers with a variety of programs assisting the poor, homeless, and people with disabilities.

Judy Kelly

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Judy joined Palmer Funeral Homes in 2011 working part time as a greeter and with the Palmer Lunch and Learn Program.  She is a graduate of Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago; and before retiring enjoyed a 40 year career in nursing.  She lives in Mishawaka, has twin daughters and two grandchildren.  Judy loves to travel and is active in the Knute Rockne Kiwanis Club.

Alan Limerick

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Alan Limerick came to the Palmer Funeral Homes in 2010 as a part-time Funeral Assistant.

He was born in South Bend, IN, and has been a lifelong resident of North Liberty. He was a graduate of North Liberty High School, where he played trumpet in the Concert & Jazz Bands.  He attended Purdue North Central in Michigan City and completed his apprenticeship in carpentry in 1977.

He worked for more than 40 years in the local commercial construction industry.

In 1972, Alan married Paula, his High School sweetheart, and they have two children and five grandchildren who keep them busy.  He is an active member of North Liberty Church of Christ, and enjoys volunteering for the Rebuilding Together in South Bend, and has been a volunteer blood donor for over 40 years.

Jill Hillman

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Jill joined the Palmer Funeral Home staff in 2013 as a greeter. She is a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Jill sings in the church choir and as a solist. She is also a part of the South Bend Civic Theatre. 

Pat Dempsey

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Pat has been a part of the Palmer Funeral Home family for several years.  She and her husband, Chip have been been married for 50 years.  They have two children Lance and Tiffany.  Pat retired from Healthwin after 25 years of service as well as from Center for Hospice.  Working for Palmer Funeral Home has been her way of contributing back to the community, providing an opportunity to show her compassion and caring.

Nancy Kielton

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Nancy has lived in South Bend all her life.  She graduated from Central High School in 1966.  After graduation she received her nursing license and worked at St. Joseph Hospital for several years.  She married her husband, Dennis, in 1969.  She has two daughters and five grandchildren.  Nancy has been involved in aquatics all her life.  Her love of the water began at Central High School.  She has worked teaching swim lessons for the South Bend Recreation Department.  She also has been an adaptive aquatics teacher for the South Bend Schools.  Lately, in addition to her duties for Palmer Funeral Homes, she ia a sacristan and wedding coordinator for St. Matthew Cathedral.  In her leisure time, Nancy enjoys her grandchildren's activities.  She also enjoys decorating and gardening in her lawn.

Donnie L. Johnson

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Donnie has been a resident of South Bend, IN relocating from Elkhart, IN in 1975.  He attends the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he serves as Chairman of the Deacon Board and President of the Board of Governors.  He and his wife Janice have been married 40 years with three surviving sons and one daughter.  They enjoy traveling and spending time with family. 

He is a member and Past Master of St. Peter's Lodge #31 F.&A.M. (PHA) South Bend, IN, member and Past Worthy  Patron of Odessa Chapter #28 O.E.S. South Bend, IN, member and Past Commander in Chief of Wabash Consistory #77 A.A.S.R. Masonry Valley of South Bend, IN (PHA), member and Honorary Past Potentate of Mahomet Temple #134 A.E.A.O.N.M.S., (PHA), Oasis of East Chicago, Desert of Indiana, and served as the 34th Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of Indiana (PHA) 1993-1995

Donnie deems his employment with Palmer Funeral Homes as a ministry and a way to provide service back to the community.  

Betsy Kelly

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Betsy joined the Palmer Group as a Greeter in 2020. Formerly with Welshiemer Funeral Home. She has lived in South Bend all her life.  Graduated from Central High School and Ball State University.  Married her husband Marty in 1974. They has two sons Patrick and Brian, two wonderful daugher-in-laws and five grandchildren. A member of Clay United Methodist Church.  Anyone that knows Betsy will say there is no one that she doesn' t know

Hilda Hanley

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Hilda Hanley joined the Palmer Staff in March of 2020.  Wife of past James Hanley that served as Funeral Director and greeter of the Palmer family for many years prior to his passing.  Born in Spittal, Austria, her parents and siblings were able to come to America in 1955 with the support of the Palmer family and American Red Cross. Hilda has been working as a Human Resource Professional for the the past 30 years. She has 2 children, 2 step-children and 7 grandchildren.  Hobbies include golf, exercising, being outside, cooking and baking,  Also, enjoys spending time with immediate and her extended large family.

Pam Cox

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Pam joined the part-time staff at Palmer Funeral Homes in December 2021 as a Greeter.  She greatly enjoys the work and considers it a ministry to serve others.

 Pam is an active member of the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in South Bend.  She volunteers as a greeter there, also, and does calling with the Trinity Cares Team.  Her hobbies include listening to/singing Gospel Music, watching Notre Dame football and basketball, watching the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs.  One of her greatest enjoyments is just spending time with family and friends.  

Ken Mendenhall

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Cathy Kurzhal

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Cathy joined the Palmer Funeral Home Staff in April 2023.

She retired from the USPS with 36 years of service. 

She is blessed with 3 children and their wonderful spouses and 4 grandchildren (so far) that are the joys of her life.  

Robbin Rininger

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Aimee Smith

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Diana Kime

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Jack Hanna

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Tom Lear

Funeral Assistant