GALVA – Robert G. “Bob” Palmer, 79, of Galva, died Monday, December 18, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 22 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva with Pastor Karen Martin officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 21 at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the services with private inurnment at a later date at LaFayette Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Knox County 4-H.

He was born February 24, 1944, in Kewanee, the son of Willard and Phyllis (Johnson) Palmer. He married Karen A. Youngfeldt on February 27, 1965, in Kewanee. She survives as well as their children, Tami (Jim) McKenna of Kewanee, Traci Williams of LaFayette, Troy (Jennifer) Palmer and Teri Bourque (Scott Clong) both of Kewanee, seven grandchildren, Megan McKenna, Trent, Ashleigh and Kai Williams and Colby, Bentley and Magnolia Palmer and a brother, Richard Palmer (Sjonnie Johnson) of Kewanee. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Mark Williams.

Bob graduated from Galva High School in 1962. He had farmed and had worked at the Galva Feed Mill. In later years, he worked at Kewanee Corp. until his retirement in February of 2006. He was of the Methodist faith. He had been a 4-H leader for 52 years and served as the swine superintendent from 1963 to 2023 for Knox County 4-H. He had also been inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. He was an active member of the Galva Hall of Fame Committee and was inducted to its Hall of Fame several years ago. He was an avid Illinois sports fan. Bob was a deeply loved husband, father and grandfather and friend and will be missed by all.

This obituary may be viewed and private condolences left at www.ruxfuneralhome.com.