Charles Edward Palmer went to be with his Lord and Savior at 2PM on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 while at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old. "Charlie" was a life long resident of the Antigo area. Born in Elcho on February 19, 1928 to Ira Palmer and Ellen (Underwood) Palmer he spent his early childhood learning to love the out of doors. In 1944 Charlie entered the U S Navy, trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Center and fought heroically in the South Pacific aboard the USS Shaw. On July 7, 1951 he married Barbara Bender at the Mattoon Church of the Nazarene. One of his first jobs was to help build the Antigo Air Force radar base. He spent nearly 32 years working for Duffek Sand and Gravel and retired due to an injury in 1983.

Charlie was a longtime member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 139, Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post #3 Antigo and Leland Tollefson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2653, Antigo.

Charlie loved to go camping and fishing with his family, his greatest joy was to fish rainbow trout on the Mayking flowage. He spent some of his most memorable moments with Barb and friends camping and fishing the lakes in the northwoods, his favorite being Lake Gogebic. Another favorite place was his cabin in the hills of Bryant. He spent many days cutting wood, chasing "partridge," snowmobiling and riding his 4 wheeler through the ridges of the area. He and Barb made maple syrup for years treating family and friends to some of the best syrup they ever tasted. Dad's thrill was to get the hunting cabin ready and warmed up for the gang to hunt deer in November. Many nice bucks came from stands he scouted and put in just the "right spot!"

Charlie's faith story began with his work on the former Bible Baptist Church where he did concrete work and helped install the baptistery. He came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior many years ago and continued to grow in his faith by participating in a men's Bible study for over 10 years. He became best friends with the men in his Bible study and they met at their hunting cabins as weather permitted. They studied the love of God and praised him in the beauty of His creation that was all around them. He and Barb are members of Antigo Community Church. They enjoy the worship and good friends they have made within this fellowship.

Charlie is survived by his wife Barb, son Charles David (Debbie) Palmer of Rochester, MN, daughter Cathe (Dick) Schroeder of Wausau, Colleen (Kerry) Harter of St. Cloud, MN, a sister Marie (Dick) Schuh of Elcho, sister in law Rita (Duffek) Palmer of Mattoon. He is also survived by his Grandchildren Charles Bradley (Lee)Palmer of Mesa, AZ, Corey (Rachel) Palmer of Lino Lakes, MN, Cassandra Palmer of Cottage Grove, MN, Lindsey Harter and Justin Harter of St. Cloud, MN. Charlie has one great grandson, Gavyn Palmer, a great granddaughter to be born in May and many other relatives in the area.

In addition to his parents and step father Ervin KIaves, Charlie was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Palmer.

The family wishes to thank the LeRoyer Hospice service and the Doctors of the University of Wisconsin Cancer center in Wausau. We also want to give a special thank you to Dr. John Garritty for the many years of medical care he gave Dad.

Visitation will be held Friday from 3:30PM until 8PM at the Bradley Funeral home in Antigo. The Antigo Veterans will stand honor guard from 6:30 until 7:30PM. Visitation will continue Saturday from 1PM to 2PM at Antigo Community Church, with services and celebration of Charlie's life at 2PM. Rev. James Gesell will officiate. Antigo Veterans will conduct military honors at the Church following services. Burial will be at the Elmwood Cemetery immediately following the church service.

In lieu of flowers a memorial to LeRoyer Hospice has been established. Online condolences may be sent to www.bradleyfh.com.

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