"We were shocked to read this news in the Fort Paper this morning! We are so sorry for your loss. He as such a fun guy! We always enjoyed doing business with you all, when we had our pool. Randy will be missed by many people. We will be praying for you all. Roger and Darlene Kleve "
In loving memory of
Randall "Randy" Palmer
January 27, 1944 - December 12, 2018
Randall John Palmer, the son of John and Lillian Palmer was born January 27, 1944, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He grew up on a farm near Renwick and graduated from the Boone Valley High School in 1962. On November 22, 1961, Randy was united in marriage to Penny Baessler in Renwick. After graduating he worked various jobs in the area including for the city of Renwick. He also worked at Nissen Plumbing and Heating and the Roseberry Implement both on Main Street, Renwick.
He last worked for the Mormon Feed Company as a District Manager. This inspired them to move to the country and they purchased an acreage west of Renwick, where they raised their 4 daughters and still reside. In the process of restoring the farm house and several other buildings on that acreage he discovered his true calling as a builder. In 1977 he started Palmer Construction with his brothers. They remodeled and built new homes in Renwick, Hardy, Livermore, LuVerne and Clarion. Palmer Construction was responsible for establishing and building the original "Fastway" in Renwick. Randy, always the entrepreneur, wanted to have an inground pool for his family. This led the company in a new direction and swimming pools was added to the product line and Palmer Pools and Spas was born. It started small and the first store was in the garage for 13 years before moving into town in 1992.
He was a hard worker, and his family and the time they were able to spend together meant the world to him. He strived to make his home his "Paradise".
In their younger days, Randy and Penny, enjoyed restoring classic cars and that led him to his passion , restoring Classic Wooden Boats and Finned Fiberglass boats from the 50's-60's & 70's.
Randy died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital in Humboldt, Iowa. He was 74.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Penny of Renwick; daughters, Carolyn (Dominic) Bonanno of Des Moines; Susan (Joel) Tille of Rutland; Jamie (David) Shiflett of Clarion; Katie (Lee) Cameron of Livermore; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Rick (Kris) Palmer of Luck, WI. Also, surviving are sister-in-law, Linda Palmer of Renwick; brothers-in-law, Richard Baessler of Madras, OR; Mike Baessler and Tom Baessler, both of Eagle Grove and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Curt Palmer.
Tributes
"Dear Palmer Gals, So very sorry for your loss, Randy will be missed for sure. Many wonderful memories of deep sea fishing, fun & food on our Fort Wayne trips, visiting the store, Randy with his cut-off sleeves etc. Rest In Peace Randy - You Lived Your Life Being Loved. ~Jim Theisen "
"Penny and family, We are extremely sorry to hear about your loss. Since he was famous he will be missed by so many people. God bless. Kathie Ricke and Mike Foley "