Steven
Richard
Palmer
Obituary
Steven Richard Palmer
May 27, 1947 – January 25, 2023
Steven Richard Palmer, first son of William and Jeanette (Lopshire) Palmer, died on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
He was the gentle, steady heart of his family, a beloved teacher, and a talented musician. He was thoughtful, witty, and kind. He enjoyed simple things – a favorite bakery or treat, freshly ground coffee, a snow day, a good book, and a well-made fire.
A devoted husband of 49 years, he said of his wife, Jo, “On my best day, I couldn’t have picked anybody better.” He loved being a dad and grandpa, nurtured special bonds with each of his kids and grandkids, and cherished family time – a chat across the street, holiday sing-alongs, trips to state parks and Lake Michigan, making homemade ice cream and pizza, and everyday moments together.
He was a graduate of St. Andrew’s Catholic School, Montfort Preparatory Seminary High School (Long Island, NY), St. Louis University, and Indiana University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in history.
He was a teacher for 45 years, beginning at St. Joseph and ending at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. He was especially remembered for inspiring civic engagement and bringing his guitar or banjo into his classroom. He forever appreciated connections made with students and colleagues and was honored to receive the diocesan Light of Learning Award.
He loved music and sharing it with others – attending folk and bluegrass concerts, hosting hootenannies, and providing encouragement through daily song videos during the pandemic. Over decades, he humbly shared his faith and talents as the music director at both St. Joseph and St. John Bosco. A self-taught builder and son of a carpenter, his affinity for St. Joseph culminated in the only song he ever wrote, In the Hands of the Carpenter.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann (Harber); his son, Michael (Heather); daughters, Darcey Palmer- (Michael) Shultz, and Christa Palmer (Zach) Lange; daughter-in-law, Brooke Charleston; grandchildren Aubrey, Eli, Ella, Jude, and Eve; as well as his siblings, Thomas (Mary Winicker), John, Julie (Mark) Maddocks, Vince (Kathy), Ron (Karen), and Tim (Kara). He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew.
A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 4, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2213 Brooklyn, with visitation at 10 a.m. To honor his wishes, contributions will support the placement of a memorial tree at a Fort Wayne park near a memorial tree for his son (via Venmo @StevePalmerMemorial). Memorial gifts may also be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana.
Services
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Sending love from Jaime, Mike, Devin, & Sloane Henry.
Sally and I will always cherish singing and playing guitar with Steve at St. John Bosco church. Heaven just got one good guitar and banjo player!
Steve is singing with the angels.
Thank you for being such a good teacher at St Joe…and thank you for all the music you shared. Condolences to your family….RIP
Dear Jo & family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Steve’s illness & passing. We hold so many found memories of Steve during our time at St Joe’s.
He guided me & implemented our Liturgies for First Communion‘s, Confirmations’ & Children’s Christmas Eve Mass.
I have many fond memories. One comes to mind immediately. During a Children’s Christmas Eve Mass one of our students dropped one of the lambs as she was bringing it to the altar. She was devastated as was I. One our our volunteers felt it wasn’t a good idea for children to bring the animals to the altar. After Mass I was in my office feeling bad about the situation. Steve popped in & said: “Not to worry Fran, even Jesus lost a sheep now & then!” He always could brighten your day. What a gift he was! I believe he is singing & playing in the best choir ever!
Hugs Jim & Fran Fekete & family
Rest in the arms of Jesus my friend!