Rita Ann Palmer, of Antigo, died Friday, September 2, 2022, at Rose Mary Manor. She was 89 years old. She was born on April 20, 1933, in Mattoon, a daughter of Joseph and Clara (Stauber) Duffek. She married Richard Palmer on November 24, 1951, in Phlox. He preceded her in death on February 23, 1997.
Rita was a bookkeeper for 38 years at Duffek Sand and Gravel. In her retirement she enjoyed taking care of grandsons, Randy and Zak.
She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Mattoon for many years and recently at Peace Lutheran Church in Antigo.
Survivors include two sons, Randell (Carol) Palmer of Mattoon and Rodney (Laura) Palmer of Antigo; four grandchildren, Todd (Sarah) Wiza, Jolene (Special friend Steve) Wiza, Randell Palmer and Zachary Palmer; three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Ellie and Jack Wiza; a niece who was raised by Rita and Richard, Rosemary Handeyside of Elcho and her children, Gina (Special friend Scott) Olson and Melissa (Kurt) Fernandez.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter in infancy, ReNita Maria Palmer; three sisters, Mary Buslaff, Rose Racine, and Clara Fischer; and four brothers, Joseph Duffek,...[more]