**** Services for Jeffrey Palmer have been postponed at this time due to possible weather impact and will be scheduled at a later date********
Jeffrey E. Palmer, age 71 of Spencer, Nebraska, passed away on February 27, 2026, at the Sanford Medical Center of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
Jeffrey Eugene Palmer entered the world on March 5, 1954, in the quiet town of Onawa, Iowa, the son of Paul and Marilyn (Kirkpatrick) Palmer. Jeff, the oldest of nine, grew up in the nearby community of Smithland, Iowa, surrounded by the rhythms of small-town life. He attended school in the Smithland district and later graduated from Westwood High School after the communities consolidated.
As a young man, Jeff answered a call to serve something larger than himself. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly wearing the uniform of his country. His time in the Marines shaped his quiet strength and determination, qualities that those who knew him recognized long after his honorable discharge.
When his service ended, Jeff returned to the working life he knew well. He became a heavy equipment operator, a job that suited him perfectly. Jeff was not a man meant for stillness. He liked to work with his hands, to be outdoors, and to see the results of a day’s effort written across the land he helped shape.
Outside of work, Jeff found joy in the simple things that tied him to the outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting, growing a garden, and always finding a reason to “go out and cut wood”. He taught himself to play the guitar and enjoyed playing with his brothers at family gatherings. Above all, Jeff was happiest when he had something to do and somewhere to be. Sitting still inside was never his way.
Jeff leaves behind many who will carry his memory forward including his mother Marilyn Palmer of Smithland, IA; his daughters Jill Palmer of St. Louis, MO and Lisa (Mike) Hunsche of Fort Wayne, IN; 12 grandchildren; siblings Curt (Vicky) Palmer of Whiting, IA, Kris (Fred) Barge of Whiting, IA and Carla Palmer of Schleswig, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father Paul Palmer; sons Robert Palmer and Donald Palmer; brothers James Palmer Sr., Kevin Palmer, John Palmer, and Bryan Palmer; sister Debra (Brent) Kroll; grandparents; and nephew Cory Theeler.
Previous Events
Visitation
15
Mar
210 South 5th Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
