David A. “Nimitz” Palmer

David was born in Marquette on July 23, 1953, a son of the late Lorraine D. (Huotari) and Jack H. Palmer. He was a 1971 graduate of Houghton High School. Dave received his CET degree from Michigan Technological University in 1974 and a Wastewater Management Degree from Northern Michigan University in 1994.

Dave worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. from 1974-94, at the Empire and Tilden Mines. He then served as the Director of Public Works, Parks and Recreation for the City of Negaunee, as well as the City Assessor, retiring in 2012.

He was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Dave was passionate about sports, having played hockey for many years in the Negaunee Hockey League, and participating in Sled Hockey U.P. for several years. He also enjoyed playing in slow-pitch softball leagues. Dave was a longtime member of the lumberjack fantasy football league and relished playing cribbage in the Ishpeming League.

Dave was an avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings and Green Bay Packers. Dave cherished following his grandchildren’s activities and events.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Phyllis J. Palmer; six children, Amanda Palmer, Karl (Lexi) Palmer, Elizabeth Palmer, Heather (James) Volek, Hannah (Walter) Moore, and Jennifer Palmer; step-children, Bryan (Jill) Argall, Erin (Nathan Pollock) Trulock, and Craig (Suzanne) Argall; a sister, Carol (Terry) Clouthier; three brothers, Michael Palmer, Joe (Cheryl) Palmer, and Tom Palmer; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary (Paul) Jacobson, Joanne (George) Miljour, and Phil (Joni) Gleason; and numerous grandchildren, including Hailey, Jordan, Jenessa, Rayne, David, Brooklyn, Jaelynn, Imani, Kingston, Walter, Aili, Charlotte, Boyd, Olivia, Makayla, K’Liana, Tylor, Malorie, Molly, Christopher, Noah, Olivia, and Hanna. Dave was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Gordon.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at the Apostolic Lutheran Church, 1700 U.S. Hwy 41, Ishpeming Twp. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m., with Roger Kangas officiating. Interment will take place at the Negaunee Cemetery in the Spring. Pallbearers will be Joe Palmer, Walter Moore, James Volek, Bryann Argall, Craig Argall and Christopher Trulock.

Dave’s obituary can be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave notes of remembrance.