Richard K. Palmer Sr.

Richard Kenneth Palmer Sr., affectionately known as "Papa," age 75, of Tinley Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife and children.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dorothy Palmer, and his brother, Kenneth Palmer.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Janine Triezenberg Palmer; his children, Richard Palmer Jr. (Diana), Kenneth Palmer (Deborah), Shannon Palmer, and Brandee Slotwinski (Michael); and his beloved grandchildren, Taylor Sellers (Russell), Norman Palmer (Amy), Richard Palmer III, Henry Palmer, Stephanie Palmer, Kenneth Palmer Jr., Collin Bockover (Lucy), Kyle Palmer, Kayley Palmer, Riley Slotwinski, Natalie Slotwinski, and Ashley Slotwinski. He was a proud great-grandfather to Wren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Ronald Palmer, Marleen Duering (Mark), Roy Palmer (Mary), and Marilyn Akison. Many of his nieces and nephews were especially close to Richard, and he loved them as his own children. He was the brother-in-law of the late Jim and Jack Triezenberg, as well as Jerry and Jeffrey Triezenberg.

Richard was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished family man whose life was defined by hard work, unwavering loyalty, laughter, and an extraordinary love for his family. Though he was a man of few words, his presence spoke volumes. He had a way of bringing joy to those around him, and anyone who knew Richard knew just how full of life he truly was. A natural jokester who loved to laugh, he made memories with the people he loved that will be treasured for generations to come.

Richard spent his entire life as a carpenter, a passion that was far more than a profession. Building was a part of who he was, and there was little he loved more than working with his hands, creating something from the ground up, and sharing that knowledge with others. He proudly passed down his skills to his children, nieces, and nephews, many of whom he loved and considered to be his own children. He taught them everything he knew and took great joy in helping them learn. The homes he built will stand as a testament to his craftsmanship, but the knowledge, values, and love he passed down to his family will be his most enduring work.

Above all else, Richard was fiercely loyal to his family. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and his love for them was evident in the life he worked so hard to build. He was the kind of man who showed his love through what he did, through the things he taught, the time he gave, the laughter he shared, and the people he stood beside. His impact reached far beyond his immediate family.

Richard shared 58 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Janine, affectionately known as "Nana." Together, they built far more than a life; they built a family, a home filled with love, and a legacy that will continue for generations. The life each member of their family has today is a reflection of the love, dedication, and partnership they shared. Their 58 years together are a testament to a love that laid the foundation for everything that followed. Though Richard's passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness, the love they created will continue to live on in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

It is no ordinary task to love an extraordinary man, and Richard was nothing short of extraordinary. He worked in construction throughout his life, but his greatest accomplishment was the family and legacy he leaves behind. His hands built homes, his heart built a family, and his love helped shape generations. The lessons he taught, the laughter he brought, and the love he gave will continue to be carried forward by everyone fortunate enough to call him theirs.

He will forever be our Papa, and he will be loved and missed beyond measure.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:00-7:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 Harlem Avenue Tinley Park, IL. Funeral Service will commence Monday October 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Interment will be Private.