Ronald Firel Palmitier

Ronald Firel Palmitier, age 88, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Ron’s faith was very important to him. Despite relocating to other states for his job as a sales manager, he always became deeply involved in each new church community, where he nurtured close friendships, taught Sunday school and lead Bible studies. Reaching outside of his home church, he helped start the Emmaus Spiritual Retreats in Grand Rapids. He and his wife, Lavon, spent several meaningful years in that ministry. At a relatively young age, he moved into the Clark Retirement facility to be close to Lavon, who was battling a degenerative neurological illness. He once again immersed himself in that Christian community. He loved to laugh and had a special talent for “Dad jokes” and puns which he continued to hone until the very end. He was a lifelong sports fan, never missing his kids’ and grandkids’ competitions, and was also a dedicated Pistons fan.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Lavon Palmitier; parents Richard and Elsie Palmitier; his mother-in-law Martha Stroud; his brother Richard Palmitier; his siblings-in-law Ardie Bannink, Bonnie Palmitier, and Les Stroud. Ron will be lovingly remembered by his current wife of 13 years Brenda Marean; his children Terri (Richard) Ciosek, Randy (Audrey) Palmitier, and Sue Palmitier; his grandchildren Katie and Emily Ciosek and Ryan (Danielle) Palma; his step-children Sarah (Michael) Rohen, David Marean, Julie (Paul) Symborski; 12 step-grandchildren; his brothers Robert (Charlene) Palmitier, Roger Palmitier, Russell (Vanessa) Palmitier, Raymond (Karen) Palmitier; his sisters-in-law Patricia Palmitier and Dianne (Delbert) Rector; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 15, at 2 pm, with a reception to follow, at 3 pm, at the Clark Retirement Community on 1551 MLK Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

In honor of Ron, contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice (https://emmanuelhospice.networkforgood.com/) or Clark Retirement Community Benevolent Fund (https://clarkretirement.org/clark-foundation/#howToGive).