Ilene Marie Palmer

Ilene M. Palmer, 95, passed away peacefully, on May 4, 2024 with her daughters by her side. Ilene was born on January 4, 1929 on a farm in Winfred, South Dakota to John and Hildur (Johnson) Carlson.

Ilene graduated from Canova South Dakota High School in 1946 and attended Dakota State University where she obtained a teaching certificate. She spent four years teaching in a one room schoolhouse, leaving a lasting impact on her students with her kindness and dedication. She married the love of her life, Jack D. Palmer, on June 8, 1950. Together they settled in Appleton, where they raised their three children, building a life filled with love and cherished memories.

Ilene loved cheering on the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers - sports teams that brought her immense joy. She was an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity for the world and especially treasured the adventures she shared with Jack during their retirement travels all across the globe. Ilene was most proud of her three children and was always ready to tell everyone about their accomplishments.

Ilene is survived by her children Connie (Mark) Wunderlich, Dr. Doug (Rebecca) Palmer and Cyndi (Tim) Wehman; grand-children Nathan Winter, Adam Winter, Zachary Palmer, McKinley Palmer, Kendra Olig and Kelsey Wehman; her great-grandchildren Kylee Courtney, Kennedy, Kaydence and Cruz Olig, Noah Palmer and brother Ronald Carlson. Ilene is preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, and brother John Arnold Carlson.

A visitation to celebrate and honor Ilene’s life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St in Appleton from 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.