William Benson Palmer

Bill Palmer, of Bolingbrook Illinois, said his last Irish Goodbye on February 27th. Cancer took the life of a man that made this world a better place. Bill was instrumental in making Bolingbrook, Illinois what it is today. The son of Helen and Robert T. Palmer was born in 1948. He graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois and attended college at Valparaiso University in Indiana. After graduation he married his lifelong soul mate Joanne Palmer. The couple had 2 children, Kevin and Leslie that they raised in Bolingbrook. In the 70’s Bill accepted the position of City Planner in Bolingbrook and plan he did! There isn’t a street in Bolingbrook that he didn’t have a story about! In the 80’s Bill resigned as City Planner and became a local business owner and developer in the city he loved. His list of business accomplishments is long, if you live in Bolingbrook, you’ve been in at least one of them over the years! His last project and one that is dear to his heart is Guiding Light, a therapeutic day school dedicated to autism. Bill was full, over the fill line, of life, love, and laughter. Bill never said never. If there was a need he found a way to fill it. His curious and contagious personality helped people fulfill their lifelong dreams and goals, but more important than business Bill’s priority was FAMILY. Bill and Joanne just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 10th , 2022, they renewed their vows with four wonderful grandchildren smiling up at them. When Bill and Joanne’s kids were young the family adventures included a motorhome. The trips were as endless as the stories that will be cherished forever. Bill loved the lake; the family cottage is where you would find him when he wasn’t on the golf course! He was the captain of his ship, in life and on the pontoon, “Who wants to take a boat ride!” he’d ask, and he’d have the seats full! He knew how to waterski barefoot and made the best bacon and eggs in a cast iron skillet! Bill traveled for work and fun, he was blessed to visit Ireland, Africa, Jamaica, Alaska, and countless cities across the U.S. He attended the Bulls, Bears and White Sox games but never, by choice, a Cubs game unless they were playing the White Sox! There’s the person that’s the life of the party and there’s a person that’s the reason for the party, Bill was always the reason! Tee times and vacations will never be the same but all of them will be remembered forever. Cheers to the man that would always grab the final, final for you. Cheers to a great husband, dad, papa, uncle, brother, and friend! Bill is proceeded in death by his parents, Helen and Robert Plamer and his brother-in-law Jim Gumprecht. He is survived by his loving wife Joanne Palmer, his son Kevin (April), his daughter (Leslie) Jacob, his sister Martha (Bill), sister- in-law Diane Gumprecht, brother-in-law Johnny Schnaufer, four grandchildren Owen, Jackson, Elsie and Evelyn, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews and all of you that keep him in your heart. A celebration of life will be held at the Bolingbrook Golf Club from 3 to 8 pm on March 4th, and there will be a Service at New Life Church at 11 am on March 5th with a luncheon following at Tailgaters. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care Center in Joliet. The facility is where Bill’s final days were spent. They provided more comfort than the family could have imagined and made Bill’s final, final a little easier. In the dim-lit room, laughter and cheer, A party in full swing, friends drawing near. But hark! A shadow slips through the door, An Irish goodbye, a mystery galore. No fanfare, no fuss, just a silent retreat, The exit unmarked, like a whispering beat. They vanish like mist, a ghostly delight, Leaving behind memories, laughter, and light. So raise your glass high, to the ones who depart, The masters of stealth, the keepers of heart. For an Irish goodbye, though unconventional, Leaves a trace of magic, a memory eternal. The Palmer Family humbly requests all friends and family to upload pictures of William so that they are included in a slideshow on the day of the service. Interment private. Arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.

William Benson Palmer

August 14, 1948 - February 27, 2024