"Our deepest Sympathy to Randy and Carol, Rod and Laura and your families. Aunt Rita was such a wonderful person and we always enjoyed seeing her. She will certainly be missed by many but her memories will live on in each of us. Pam and Andy "
In loving memory of
Rita Palmer
April 20, 1933 - September 2, 2022
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, Jr., Paul Duffek, Anton "Satch" Duffek, and John Duffek.
No services will be held. Burial will take place at the Mattoon Woodlawn Cemetery.
Tributes
"Our prayers are with the Palmer family. Your mom was a fair and friendly lady. I remember Rita and my dad, playing smear at lunch time at DS&G. Peggy and Dennis Miller. Peace be with your families."