Steve Palmer

Stephen Douglas Palmer, 76, of Winterset, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 2, 2025. Steve fought cancer with quiet dignity in Hospice Care at Azria Health Winterset.

Stephen Douglas, son of Donald Lee and Wanda Marie (Neal) Palmer was born on December 29, 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Winterset High School with the class of 1967 and attended Creston Community College for two years.

Steve served in the Iowa Army National Guard from October 1969 to October 1975, within the communication department. He enlisted at Perry, Iowa and received his basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. He was presented with a beautiful Quilt of Valor on November 26, 2017 by Fr. Dan Kirby, The Knights of Columbus and Luella Fairholm; made by Luella and Becky Rodgers. On January 3, 2025 Steve was honored with a Veteran pinning ceremony by EveryStep Hospice Care at Azria Health Winterset. He was awarded the Veteran Flag Pin and the Bald Eagle Vietnam War Veteran Pin for serving in the Army National Guard during that time. He was also presented with another beautiful handmade Quilt of Valor made by volunteer ladies from Mr. Ayr.

Steve farmed the family farm with his father from 1970 to 1975. He then farmed on his own from 1975 to 1985. In 1986, he began working as a supervisor at Dee Zee Manufacturing in Des Moines, retiring on May 31, 2016 with 30 years of service.

On July 31, 1976, Steve and Pamela A. Foley were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Church in Manning, Iowa with Fr. Norbert Weber officiating. They made their home on the family farm, eight miles west of Winterset, until 1983, and then purchased a home in town.

The couple were truly blessed when they adopted two handsome sons in 1983 and 1985. Steve and Pam were happily married for 48 years.

Steve was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his beloved granddaughter, Mavis. Mavis played her clarinet for her grandpa to help him relax while he was in hospice care and decorated his room with her lovely artwork. Mavis and Grandpa shared a secret handshake each time they said goodbye. He was very excited about the upcoming birth of his first grandson.

Steve enjoyed reading everything about WWII, playing pitch with friends, watching westerns, listening to music, bowling, attending Mavis’ sports events and school programs, traveling, going for walks, fishing, camping, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes!

Steve joined St. Joseph Catholic Church in 1975. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Veterans and a former member of the Winterset Jaycees.

Steve will be loved and missed by his wife, Pam; son, Nick (Christina) Palmer; granddaughter, Mavis Ann Palmer all of Winterset; brother, Ron (Leann) Palmer of Cumming; sisters-in-law, Mary L. Raasch, Betty Van Etten, Donna (Soren) Sorensen all of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law, Mike (Jean) Foley of Ankeny; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents; infant son, Jonathan Donald Palmer; grandparents, Loman and Ethel Palmer, Frank and Hazel Neal; mother and father in-law, Malick and Leta Foley; sister, Connie Davis; and brothers-in-law, Dan Raasch and Charles VanEtten.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Sunday, April 6, 2025 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winterset. A Rosary will start at 6:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, April 7, at the church, with burial to follow in the Winterset Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church Compassion Fund, American SIDS Institute, or to the family for a later designation. Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.