Wayne Edward Palmatier

Wayne Edward Palmatier

Marion

Wayne Edward Palmatier of Marion, Iowa, died peacefully in his home on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at the age of 89, from Alzheimer’s disease. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 4949 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, with the Rev. Jon Seda. A visitation will be held two hours before the funeral service. Teahen Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Faye (Dorn); his daughter, Cynthia Koczo (Stefan) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; son, Stephen Palmatier of Peoria, Ariz.; son, Michael Palmatier (Brenda) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; many grandchildren, including Christine Ritchie, Jennifer Thomason (TJ), Denise Koczo (Brian Vaughn), Jacob Palmatier (Tasha) and Samuel Palmatier (Stephanie); and 17 great-grandchildren, including Colie Ritchie, Kenna, Bree, Miles and Eevie Thomason; Eric and Roman Vaughn; and Isabella, Mila, Wyatt and Remington Palmatier. He is also survived by his brothers, Ronald Palmatier and Dennis Palmatier (Reba); brother-in-law, Len Dieter; sister-in-law, Indira Palmatier; and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Frances (Lakeman) Palmatier; and his siblings, Father David Palmatier (OSB), Elaine Dieter, Larry Palmatier and Gary Palmatier.

Wayne was born in Aurora, Ill., on Nov. 19, 1933. He met his sweetheart Donna at a young age and was a loving and doting husband for 70 years. Wayne worked at All-Steel Equipment in Aurora, Ill., from 1954 to May of 1996, a total of 42 years, and retired as a general foreman and special projects manager. Wayne learned many trades as a carpenter, plumber and electrician from his uncles Leo and Larry Lakeman and Bob Hollis, which skills he utilized throughout his life. He loved to build, and at the age of 27 he built his first house in which his family lived for 53 years until moving to Iowa in 2013. Wayne was an avid camper and loved playing horseshoes and sitting around a campfire in the evenings. In 1989 the family purchased a home in Peoria, Arizona and became snowbirds in 1996 after retiring. Wayne loved everything about the West and hosted many family members and friends at his home in “Paradise”. He loved to horseback ride and explore ghost towns. Upon moving to Marion, Iowa, he joined a Farkle group and enjoyed playing this game with his friends at the Village Cooperative.

In 1951 Wayne graduated from Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, Ill., and was a devout supporter of the academy throughout his life, including working many years selling Christmas trees in their annual fundraiser. Wayne was a proud member of the Illinois National Guard. He was also a member of the Aurora Moose Lodge, a life-member of the Aurora Tiger Club and belonged to St. Pius Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Wayne was the heart and soul of his immediate and extended Family. He was always present and met every challenge and need when called upon. He was the foundation upon which we all stood. Wayne was a devout child of God and is now on his next journey with our good Lord.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice and The Caregivers for their loving care of Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be directed to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital or St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Please leave a message tribute, or memory for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.