Veronica M. Palmer

Veronica M. (Widhalm/Feltz) Palmer, 93, of Rockford, died Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at Independence Village. Born February 25, 1922, in Lindsey, Nebraska, the daughter of Henry A. and Margaret Keimig Widhalm. Veronica graduated from Holy Family High School in 1938, and was valedictorian of her senior class. She was a Regent’s scholar at the University of Nebraska in the College of Business Administration. In 1942, Veronica moved with her parents to Belvidere, IL. She was employed as a bookkeeper-office manager at Belvidere Lumber Company. Veronica married Henry W. Feltz, a Navy veteran of World War II and a native of Belvidere, in August 1946. They moved to Rockford in 1950 and were the parents of five children: James, Stephen (died at birth), Kenneth, Carol and Nancy. Henry Feltz was killed in an automobile accident in 1969. Veronica was a member of St. Edward’s Parish in Rockford for almost 60 years, a member of the choir and participated in the C.C.D. ministry. Veronica was an accountant for Broadway Perryville Lumber Company from 1957 to l979. She worked as the Finance Manager for Rockford Goodwill Industries (Abilities Center) from 1979 until she retired. She married Warren E. ‘Curley’ Palmer, in October of 1975. Warren has one son, Philip. Warren died in 1997. Veronica and Warren enjoyed singing together in the St. Edward’s choir and also “A Classic Chorale.” All of her life Veronica loved music. She sang in the Mendelssohn Chorale, the Diocesan Chorale, and sang the annual Messiah chorus for many years. She received the Woman of the Year Award, from the Council of Catholic Women, in 2008. Veronica moved to her new home, at Independence Village, in December of 2010. She then became a member of Holy Family Parish. Veronica enjoyed sewing, playing bridge, card games, bowling and her special family times. Predeceased by her parents, husbands, one brother, Joseph Widhalm and four sisters, Regina Casey, Rosella Glaser, Coletta Luetkenhaus Meissen, and Helen Widhalm. Survivors include her loving family: James (Ellen) Feltz, Kenneth (Rita) Feltz, Carol (Scott) Hale, Nancy (Michael) O’Laughlin, Philip (Cheryl) Palmer; 19 grandchildren: Jim (Cindy) Feltz, Pam Wardlow, Teresa Harkey, Cheryl Kiley, Rob Harkey, Lorene (Todd) Morawski, Carolyn (Matt) Cybulski, Kristina Feltz, Michele (Ross) Oberlin, Daniel (Olive) Brady, Joseph Brady, John (Christy) Hale, Jason Hale, Melissa (Chuck) Leonard, Brian (Lauren) O’Laughlin, Jeffrey O’Laughlin, Matthew O’Laughlin, Aaron (Melinda) Palmer, Matt (Cindi) Palmer; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Veronica will be missed by family and friends, and lovingly remembered for being a wonderful mother and grandmother, for her kindness, beautiful voice and love for the Lord. We know that she is now a member of the heavenly choir. The family would like to thank Hospice Care of America, All-Life’s Solutions, Independence Village, OSF, St. Anne Center and Dr. John Holtan. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 19, from 2-6 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., with rosary service at 5:30 p.m. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Mon., July 20, at Holy Family Church, 4407 Highcrest Rd., with visitation from 9 to 9:45 a.m. in the church. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to Salvation Army Rockford Temple or Goodwill Industries of Rockford, IL.