Palmer Onstad

PALMER L. ONSTAD, age 91, of Sycamore, formerly of Elburn, IL and Eau Claire, WI, passed away peacefully at his home, Tuesday, May 20, 2014. He was born March 15, 1923 in Chippewa Falls, WI, the son of Paul and Freida Onstad.He graduated with the class of 1940 from Eau Claire Memorial High School. Palmer faithfully served his country during WW II in the United States Army. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lucille Delores Sloat, on August 5, 1947. Over the years, Palmer split time between Elburn and Eau Claire before making his home in Sycamore, IL. He worked for over two decades at Peters Packing Plant in WI, many years after that at Burgess-Norton in IL, and a few more at Crays back in WI, before his retirement. Palmer was a night owl and fiercely independent. He lived by his own set of rules that were written in black and white, the same way he saw the world. He was strong in word and deed, but at the same time the depth of his caring nature was unfathomable. He is survived by five children: Janice, Judy, Delores, Joan and Rick;Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren;Six siblings:Paul, Elaine, Ione, Janet, David, Sally and Two special friends, Allen and Carol. He is preceded in death by his wife, one son John and three siblings: Maryanne, Diane and Marvin. There will be a visitation from 2-3 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 3 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL , on Saturday May 24, 2014. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name. Checks may be made to the "Palmer Onstad Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.