Our Staff

Kent R. and Dolores Palmer

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

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

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

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.

Rick Palmisano

Rick joined the staff at Palmer Funeral Homes in April of 2012. He began his career in funeral service at the age of fourteen. He attended Andrews University and graduated from Southwestern Michigan College and Wayne State University.  In 1989, Rick became a licensed funeral director in the states of Indiana and Michigan as well as Arizona in 2003.  Rick resides in South Bend and enjoys running, working out at the YMCA, and spending time with family and friends. He attends Pioneer Memorial Church and the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church in Berrien Springs.

Dave Tinsley

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 loves animals, especially his cats, Garfield, Amber and Charlie, and his dog, Brutus. Dave is of the Wesleyan faith and enjoys sporting events and spending time with his family.

Kevin Walker

Kevin came to work with Palmer’s in January 2018.  He's a 1983 graduate of Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville, IN.  Kevin served in the US Army from 1983 until 1985 and in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991. He's a lifetime member of the DAV 19.  Kevin and his wife, Toni, live in Bristol, Indiana and have two cats, Stu and Ginger.  They enjoy spending time with their 6 grandchildren; traveling; watching college sports and scuba diving.

Amanda Murray

Amanda joined the staff of Palmer Funeral Homes in February 2019. She graduated from Purdue University North Central with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources before attending Worsham College of Mortuary Science.  Amanda knew she wanted to become a funeral director when she was 18, after her great-great-grandmother passed away at the age of 102. Amanda and her husband, Matt, live in Niles with their cat and three dogs.  They enjoy going to concerts and comedy shows, finding new restaurants to try, and going on trips with their group of friends. 

Kelly Miller

Frank Gorny

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

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.

D. Rob Tharp

Rob was born and raised in the Kokomo area. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1992 and later graduated from Mid America College of Funeral Service. He has served as a licensed funeral director for over 25 years. He began his career in 1993 working for Ellers Mortuary in Kokomo and then in 2016 he joined the staff of Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes also in Kokomo. He joined the staff of Palmer Funeral Homes in August of 2020. He is a member of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Pi Sigma Etta National Morticians Fraternity, and the Lions Club. Rob lives in South Bend and enjoys spending time with his partner Leanne and her children Caleb and Catalina.  

William A. Welsheimer, Jr.

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

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

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.

Jacob Thompson

Jacob joined Palmer Funeral Homes in the Fall of 2017 serving as a funeral home assistant. He graduated from Purdue University where he studied Math and Math Education before graduating Mid-America College of Funeral Services. Jacob is serving as a full time Funeral Director Intern. Jacob and his wife, Chelsea have a beautiful daughter, Adelaide who was born in April 2020. Jacob is also a proud uncle of three adorable nieces: Evelyn, Mila, and Anya. He enjoys spending his time with his family, traveling, and basically any type of competition. 

Kellie Jerue

Kellie joined the Palmer Funeral Home staff in 2017 as a funeral assistant before going back to school and graduating from Ivy Tech Community College with her Mortuary Science degree.  Prior to coming to Palmers she worked as a medical assistant for over 15 years in the Michiana area.  Kellie and her husband, Jeff live in Buchanan, MI where they raised their two boys, Jeffery (Taitum) and Brandon (Alexandra).  Kellie also has four grandchildren, Cameron, Bristol, Ryder and Jersey who are the light of her life.  

Kristi Palmer

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

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

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

Lori Horvath

Lori is a lifelong resident of the Michiana community. She has been assisting families with their burial and funeral preplanning since 2009. With kindness and integrity, she is dedicated to providing families with caring resources in making decisions for their pre arrangements and is committed to supporting families in the days following their loved ones services with our Aftercare program. Lori also holds community educational events, providing invaluable information on the importance and benefits of burial and funeral preplanning. Lori enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling and spending quality time with her friends and family, especially her granddaughter.

Lynne Panfil

Scott Henderson

Scott made the move to Palmer's in 2020, after 18 years as the Family Services Adviser, for Welsheimer Family Funeral Homes. He is a life long resident and an Infantry veteran of the Regular Army and Indiana National Guard. He has a background in Financial Planning and Human Services. He is married with two children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Jerry Klotz

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.

Greg Holmes

Greg joined Palmer Funeral Homes in August of 2017. He is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan faith. Greg and his wife Cheryl have eight children (four girls and four boys) and one granddaughter. Greg is currently the pastor of Sonlight Fellowship Wesleyan Church in South Bend.  

Landis Skaggs

Landis joined the Palmer team in June of 2020. He is originally from the town of Shipshewana,IN and went to high school at Westview. He continued his education at Bethel College where he earned his degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology. However, more importantly he met his beautiful wife, Shawn, and they have been married for over 25 years. They have two children, Asa and Aria, and have added daughter-in-law, Kayla, to the fold. Asa and Kayla are expecting their first child in March of 2021. 

He and his wife are active in several volunteer leadership responsibilities at Nappanee Missionary Church.

Alex Ronan

Alex joined the Palmer Funeral Homes family in January 2020 as a funeral assistant.  He enjoys serving others and enjoys developing the family videos for our services.  Alex enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, sports and music.

Sam Diggins

Sam Diggins joined Palmer Funeral Homes in May 2020. He worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation for 10 plus years. He also plays the organ at several churches in the community. Sam is a family man, and loves spending time with this fiancé, Chantel, and their son, Ahmir. 

Derek Dobrzykowski

Derek joined Palmer Funeral Homes in November of 2020 after 12 years of working managing in retail. Derek served in the United States Marine Corp Reserves for 6 years as a Field Radio Operator and is also going to school for software development. In Derek’s spare time, he enjoys movies, games, and writing. He married his wife Alaina in 2016. 

Elaine Crump

Elaine joined the Palmer Staff in March of 1999. She serves as Executive Secretary with her primary office at the River Park, South Bend location.  Elaine is the heart of our administrative support team. She graduated from Anderson University in 1980 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is married to Greg; mother of Kelly and Mike; and Nana to Nellie and Eva.

Christy Brewers

Christy Brewers joined the Palmer Funeral Home Staff in July, 2001 as a part-time secretary. She became a full-time secretary in September, 2009 with the addition of the Hickey Chapel on Cleveland Road. Christy received her B.A. from Ball State University in 1988 and relocated to Elkhart. She lives there with her husband and three sons, where they attend St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Christy Brewers joined the Palmer Funeral Home Staff in July, 2001 as a part-time secretary. She became a full-time secretary in September, 2009 with the addition of the Hickey Chapel on Cleveland Road. Christy received her B.A. from Ball State University in 1988 and relocated to Elkhart. She lives there with her husband and three sons, where they attend St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic 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.

Bettie Jackson

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. 

Nicole Youngs

Nicole joined Palmer Funeral Homes in 2017 at our West Chapel location. She is a life-long Michiana resident and graduated from IU South Bend in 2014. She lives in Mishawaka with her husband, Justin and is a proud aunt to two nephews, Luke and Lane.

Jenn Bang

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

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

Kim Buss

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.

Lannie Lonley

Lannie started with Palmer Funeral Homes in the Spring of 2020. She is married with two adult daughters that she enjoys spending family time with. She enjoys being outside enjoying creation whether that is mountain paths or oceanside.

Steph Kiefer

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.

Kirsten Vanslager

Kirsten joined the staff at Palmer Funeral Homes in October 2020, serving as a secretary at River Park Chapel after working in retail management at Meijer, Inc.  Kirsten is a lifelong Michiana resident, currently living in Mishawaka.  She received her B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University.  She has one daughter, Paige, and three grandchildren, Jayden, Ava and Randy.  Kirsten enjoys spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren.  

Teresa Wright

Teresa joined Palmer Funeral Homes in November of 2020. In her administrative role at the Guisinger location, she coordinates with funeral directors, and the families they serve, for a positive experience during a difficult time of loss. Teresa is a long-time marketer, communicator, and holds a degree in Visual Communications. She represented a community bank, in a marketing capacity, for more than 17 years and in various marketing roles prior to that. Now a member of the Palmer Funeral Home family, she appreciates the opportunity to represent the brand associated with "Michiana's most trusted funeral home."

Dennis Mitschelen

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.

Craig Beutel

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. 

Wendi Scoles

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.

Jerry Connell

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.

Ron Clady

Ron Clady joined the Palmer Family in 2003 following his retirement from Teachers Credit Union and a thirty-nine year career in banking. He works part-time and assists wherever needed at visitations and funerals.   Ron and his wife of fifty years, Judy, live in Lakeville.  They have two sons, Kent (Cathy) and Todd (Aimee) who have blessed them with six grandchildren.  Ron and Judy are members of Grace United Methodist Church in South Bend. Ron is a member of the Kiwanis in Plymouth, Lakeville Order of Eastern Star #479, a fifty year member of the Lakeville Masonic Lodge #353 F. and A.M. and Scottish Rite, Valley of South Bend.  He enjoys antiquing, traveling and tending his beautiful array of flowers and shrubs. 

Roberta Spencer

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.

Jill Hillman

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. 

Nancy Kielton

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.

Pat Dempsey

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.

Donnie L. Johnson

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.  

Hilda Hanley

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.

Betsy Kelly

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

Kenneth Thomas

Born and raised in Michigan City, Indiana. Kenneth joined the staff of Palmer Funeral Homes in August 2020, after retiring from South Bend Community School Corporation following a thirty year teaching career.  Kenneth completed his Masters Degree in Special Education from Indiana University South Bend in 2000.  He is also a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served from 1977 to 1980. Kenneth and his wife Nita are members of New Horizons Outreach Ministry where he teaches Sunday School.  Their lives continue to revolve around their four kids and four grandchildren.  

Sherrie Hoy

Sherrie joined Palmer Funeral Homes as a part-time Funeral Assistant in January 2021. Sherrie graduated from St. Joseph College with a Bachelors degree in Psychology, and from St. Xavier University with a Masters in Counseling. Sherrie married Jeremy Hoy in 2000, and they are blessed with 2 children. They are members and employees of St. Pius X Catholic Church, where Sherrie cantors and directs the Children’s Choir. She also teaches kindergarten and preschool religion at St. Pius X Catholic School. Sherrie loves to read, socialize with friends, and she knows no stranger. “I feel blessed to be able to share in the lives of people in their time of need.”