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.

Kelly Miller

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. 

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.

Jim Hanley

Jim graduated from Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1965. He is a member of St. Pius X Church. He is a United States Army veteran having served as a paratrooper. Jim served many years as a funeral director at Forest G. Hay Funeral Home, as a board member and past president of Hospice of St. Joseph County, board member and past president of Visiting Nurses Association, and former board member of St. Joseph County Special Olympics. He is married to Hilda and they have four children and one granddaughter.

Jacob Thompson

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 Jerue

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

Tim Thompson

Tim joined the Palmer Staff in the Spring of 2019 as a Funeral Assistant. He is the father of great kids, Sarah and son-in-law Dave, Missy, and Jacob and daughter-in-law Chelsea; and four beautiful granddaughters, Evie, Mila, Anya and Addie.  Tim has an associate's degree in Electronics.  

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.

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.

Helen Heim

Helen joined the Palmer Funeral Home Staff in September 2003. She serves as the secretary for the Guisinger Chapel and the Lakeville Chapel. She spent 17 years in the banking industry before joining the staff of Palmer's. She attends Granger Community Church and volunteers at her granddaughter’s school. She has a son, Todd, daughter, Marcy, grandson, DaCota, two granddaughters, Aurora and Elizabeth and a grandson, Evan due in January 2018.

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

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. 

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. 

Judy Kelly

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.

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. 

Nimbi Cushing

Nimbi, as she is known, came to us in 2013. A United States Veteran who after an honorable discharge from the Air Force, landed her dream job of flight attendant for a major airline. In 2003, after thirty-one years of flying, she worked various part-time jobs including sales associate at Marshall Field's.

 Nimbi is a frequent traveler visiting friends and family all over the country. Her favorite destination being San Antonio, Texas to visit her only grandchild. As a recognized author, she takes pride in the fact that her books are available at public libraries in six states.

 Known in the community for volunteering through her church, a local nursing home and other notable service organizations, she views her position at Palmer's as a ministry. 

Dawn Diggins - Lewis

Dawn joined the Palmer staff in 2017. She's a lifelong resident of South Bend, IN graduating from Riley High School.  She attended Vogue Beauty School as well as Ross Medical.  Her passion and ministry is working and meeting people. Dawn attends Believer's C.O.G.I.C., teaches Sunday School and is very active with Evangelical Missionary Church.

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.

Alan Limerick

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.

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.