Russell Palmer RIP

Marie LaFreniere · Post by **Marie LaFreniere** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:31 am

Russell (Cook) Palmer passed away early yesterday morning. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Marie LaFreniere · Post by **Marie LaFreniere** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:08 am

There will be a Funeral Mass for Russell this Saturday at Holy Cross Church at 2:30 P.M.

Marie LaFreniere · Post by **Marie LaFreniere** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:54 pm

Eugene Russell Palmer, 76, of Traverse City, formerly of Beaver Island, died at home Sunday, September 18, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be from 6-9:00pm, Friday, September 23, at the Winchester Funeral Home in Charlevoix. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Beaver Island, 2:30pm, Saturday, September 24, the Reverend Joseph Blasko officiating.

Russell was born April 16, 1935, in St. James, the son of the late Clarence and Lorraine (Boyle) Palmer. He grew up and attended school on Beaver Island, and began sailing on the lower Great Lakes at the age of 16. He served in the US Army from 1958-1960.

In March of 1961, he married Ann Marie Martin in Manistee, and she preceded him in death on December 9, 1985.

Russell worked on the C&O Car Ferry and retired after 25 years.

Russ enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating; playing guitar, dancing, and singing those island songs.

Russ is survived by his sons, John Michael (Ms. Robin Burrell) Palmer, William Joseph (Mitzi Jean) Palmer, Robert Daniel (Brenda Lee) Palmer; daughter, Yvonne Marie Palmer; grandchildren, Adam, Amber, Ashley, Aaron, Alina, Kari, Lisa, and David; great-grandchildren, Krystian, Lexi, Dylan, and Jack; sisters, Virginia Palmer, Evelyn (Tom) Oleksy, Roberta Palmer, and Maryann Ferguson; brother, Edward (Mary) Palmer; numerous nieces and nephews.

Russ was preceded in death by a son, Stephen Edison Palmer; sisters, Grace and Irene; brothers, Perry and Robert.

Those wanting to share a memory of Russell, or condolences, may do so at www.winchesterfuneralhome.com

Marie LaFreniere · Post by **Marie LaFreniere** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 2:30 pm

There will be a Funeral Luncheon at Peaine Township Hall immediately following the Funeral Mass. There is a sign up sheet for food at McDonough's Market.

Correction...the luncheon will be at Holy Cross Parish Hall.