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. 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 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 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
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Dick Koschnick joined the
Palmer staff in August of 2020. The Indianapolis native attended Brebeuf Jesuit
Preparatory School (1978), Ball State University (1982) and Mid America College
of Funeral Service (1983). Dick has worked in all facets of the funeral
profession, originally in Fort Wayne until moving to the South Bend area in
2004. He is an avid sailor and enjoys spending his free time with family &
friends, usually on or near the water. Proud to be associated with the Palmer
family and their long history of service to South Bend and surrounding
communities, Dick looks forward to continuing to serve area families with
compassion, dignity and respect.
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 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 joined Palmer Funeral Homes in the Fall of 2017 serving as a funeral home assistant. He is a 2014 Graduate of Purdue University where he studied Math and Math Education. Jacob is a proud uncle of three adorable nieces: Evelyn, Mila, and Anya. Jacob and his wife Chelsea attend River Valley Church in Mishawaka.
Kellie was born in Niles, Michigan and has lived in the Buchanan, Michigan area most of her life. After graduating from Southwestern Michigan College in 2005, she enjoyed working as a Medical Assistant for the last 15 years. Kellie joined the staff at Palmer’s as a funeral assistant in 2017 before going back to school for her Mortuary Science degree. Kellie has since graduated from Ivy Tech College and passed her National Boards. She is now working as a fulltime licensed Funeral Director Intern. Kellie and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 27 years and they have two boys, Jeffery (Taitum) and Brandon (Alexandra). Kellie also has four grandchildren, Cameron, Bristol, Ryder and Jersey who are the light of her life. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies and traveling.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Mary joined the Palmer
Family as a Pre-Arrangement Counselor in October 2020. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree
in Elementary Education from Indiana University South Bend. Prior to joining
the Palmer Team, Mary worked for several years helping families with their
burial arrangements and Aftercare. She has 2 sons, a stepdaughter and 2
grandchildren. Mary and her husband John
enjoy traveling, kayaking, gardening, and spending time with their family.
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 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.
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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 tiime with Grace her Old English Sheepdog.
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.
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 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 joined Palmer Funeral Homes late in 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. With a degree in Visual Communications,
Teresa is a long-time marketer and communicator; she represented a community
bank, in a marketing capacity, for more than 17 years. In addition to serving
families at Palmer Funeral Home, Teresa is also an event coordinator with Merry
Me Events of Edwardsburg, Michigan.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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.”
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