Rev. Samuel I. Palmer
Deceased: 2006-09-21
Diocese: DES MOINES
CSM Graduation Year: 1959
Fr. Samuel Palmer died peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2006 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s /ALS) disease) at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, with his priestly ministry coming to an end. Samuel was born November 18, 1931, one of seven children of Samuel and Mary Palmer, in Des Moines, Iowa. Samuel was a 1949 graduate of Dowling High School. He entered Conception Seminary under the guidance of the Benedictine Fathers. He completed his theological studies at Mt. St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He was ordained May 31, 1957 and did post graduate work at the Angelicum College in Rome earning a J.C.L. Degree. He served the Diocese of Des Moines in Council Bluffs, Neola, Harlan, Rosemount, Milo, West Des Moines and Des Moines (St. Anthony’s, All Saints, Sacred Heart, Christ the King, Holy Trinity, St. John’s, St. Joseph and St. Pius X). He also served as Judicial Vicar for the Marriage Tribunal and Director for Vocations for the Diocese. Fr. Palmer retired in 2001 but continued to assist at St. Pius X and perform ministry at Veterans Hospital and the Air National Guard in Des Moines until his disease prevented him from doing so. Fr. Palmer was active promoter of CFM (Christian Family Movement), initiating several groups during his ministry in various parishes. He served as National and International Chaplain for the movement. Fr. Palmer was an avid fisherman and shared this enthusiasm with friends and parishioners. He touched many people with his love and compassionate dedication to the priesthood. He had a love for the church and was passionate and interested in promoting social justice causes. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Joseph and James. He is survived by a sister Mary Grochala (Stephen deceased) and brothers, Angelo Palmer (Charlotte), Fr. Frank Palmer of Des Moines, and Anthony (Patricia) of Mendota Heights, MN , together with 13 nieces and nephews and twenty grand nieces and nephews.
