Bill Palmer | 1940 - 2024
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Feb 24, 2025 | 3:51 PM / 112 views
PIERRE, SD – William (Bill) Palmer always joked that he and his beloved dog, Harley, would likely leave the world around the same time. Just a few weeks after Harley died, Bill followed his loyal companion to Heaven, passing away peacefully on December 6, 2024, with his daughter, Britt, by his side. A visitation will be held on March 29, 2025 from 4-5 p.m. at Feigum Funeral Home; 808 W. Pleasant Drive, Pierre SD. A celebration of Bill’s life will follow at the Ramkota Hotel in the Courtyard from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Bill was born on September 14, 1940 in Gordon, NE to William A. and Helen Palmer. He attended Pierre High School and studied retailing at Drake University in Iowa.
After college he moved to Chicago for a brief time. He left Chicago to join the National Guard and was stationed in California for basic training. After returning home to Pierre, he helped run his father’s business, Sooper Dooper Grocery Store. Bill was known for giving people of all abilities and backgrounds the opportunity for meaningful employment, and he worked hard to create a feeling of community at the stores for both employees and customers.
After his retirement from Sooper Dooper, Bill worked at Petersen Motors, where he delighted customers with his dry wit and knowledge of all things motorcycles. There, he became a mentor to Matt Merriman and “Papa” to Brie Merriman.
Bill also volunteered his time at Buchanan Elementary as a kindergarten helper. Everyone wanted to walk beside “Mr. Bill” during class walks, and he became known as an expert shoe tier before gym class.
Bill was immensely proud of his daughter Britt, and loved spending time with her, from boating and jet skiing on the Missouri, to traveling and watching westerns, to later taking drives around town and reminiscing. He was so grateful for her care and devotion, especially as they navigated his illness together.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William A and Helen Palmer; brother Brent Palmer; brother-in-law James Thronson; and niece Pamela Haug.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Britt Palmer; sisters Robin (Terry) Premus and Vicki Thronson; sister-in-law Bobbi (Scott) Berry; former wife Linda Palmer; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends Brie and Matt Merriman.
