Brian Allen Palmer

Brian A. Palmer, 59, of Holmen, WI, formerly of Waukon, IA, passed away peacefully March 15, 2018, at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse, WI, surrounded by his family. He was laid to rest at Bethel Cemetery in Osterdock, IA, next to his mother and father on March 17th in a ceremony officiated by his longtime friend Fr. Jim Weighner. A celebration of his life will be held at the Waukon Golf & Country Club in Waukon, IA, on Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. His friends and family are welcome to attend as a wonderful man is remembered. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Brian was born September 4, 1958, in the backseat of the family station wagon on the way to hospital in Hillsboro, WI, the son of Leslie and Delilia (Halverson) Palmer. He had a great passion and talent for restoring cars and worked on his first car at the age of 7 with his father. It was a passion he continued through life as he restored classic cars, many of which won awards at shows across the country. He was currently restoring his '55 Chevy Bel Air that he purchased in high school and had planned to take on trips with his family.

He married Julie Delaney on February 14, 1985, in Waukon, IA, and moved to Holmen, WI, in 1990 with their two children Eric and Renee. He was the body shop manager at Schaller Jacobson in Onalaska, WI, and enjoyed interacting with his customers on a daily basis. He was always a high spirited person and enjoyed helping those around him and greeting everyone with a cheerful hello and big smile.

Brian loved to golf and looked forward to the twice annual tournament at the Waukon Golf & Country Club. One of his golfing highlights was being able to golf at Torrey Pines in San Diego, CA, with his brother Gary and his daughter. He had recently taken a trip to Erin Hills Golf Course to watch the 2017 U.S. Open with his brothers. He enjoyed taking drives on the weekend with his wife and always liked to take the scenic route. They would get ideas for gardens that they would like to design and enjoyed searching for bald eagles and other animals along the Mississippi while also enjoying the sunsets.

Brian is survived by his wife Julie (Delaney) Palmer of Holmen, WI; his son Eric Palmer of Harpers Ferry, IA; his daughter Renee Rounds of San Diego, CA; five siblings: Dennis (Maureen) Palmer of Bakersfield, CA, Wayne Palmer of Kansas City, KS, Gary (Nancy) Palmer of Bakersfield, CA, Connie (Clark) Ellenbolt of West Salem, WI, and Deborah Fleshner of Spring Grove, MN; brother-in-law Steve (Laura) Delaney of Clinton, IA; sister-in-law Joanne (Eric) Bibler of Johnston, IA; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Leslie and Delilia; an infant brother Bruce; twins that passed away at birth; and his in-laws Martin and Helen Delaney.