Glenford R. (“Bud”) Palmateer, 80 years old, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully in
his home on May 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Bud was born on January 14, 1943 to Glenford and Phyllis (Kalbfleisch) Palmateer and was
raised on the family farm in Yale, Michigan with his seven siblings. He graduated from Yale High
School in 1961 and attended Eastern Michigan University. He taught at Avoca Elementary for
several years before starting a masonry business. Quite often he enjoyed reminiscing about
building projects that he had been a part of. He was also very active at Trinity Missionary
Church in Yale, fulfilling various roles.
In 1985, his career shifted to insurance. This change moved the family to Clare, Michigan where
they lived for nearly 20 years. During that time, he donated many hours to the development of
the Brookwood Athletic Complex and faithfully contributed to projects at Brown Corners Church.
Bud and Marion returned to Yale in 2014, where he served again on the board at Trinity Church.
Bud experienced health challenges later in life but his will to live remained strong. Watching
grandchildren compete and perform, connecting with family and friends, and socializing about
antique cars and tractors were his favorite things. Despite chronic pain, he remained a farming
buddy, tireless helper, and devoted friend to many. He had a servant’s heart patterned after his
Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Glen and Phyllis Palmateer, his sister
Sharon (Palmateer) Gonzalez, his brother Chuck Palmateer, his father and mother-in-law
James and Bettie (Sawdon) McAlpine, his sisters-in-law, Jane McAlpine and Mary Ann
McAlpine, numerous extended family members, and most recently his Uncle Clarence
Palmateer.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marion (McAlpine) Palmateer, his son Bill (Karen)
Palmateer of Atlanta, Georgia, his daughter Mary (Palmateer) Standerfer of Elk Rapids,
Michigan, and daughter Liz (Brock) Peters of Olivet, Michigan. Bud’s grandchildren are Adam
and Luke Palmateer, Sydney and Sophie Standerfer, and Abbey, Taylor, Emily and Kendall
Peters. His surviving siblings are Harold (Linda) Palmateer, Don (Rose) Palmateer, Jim (Pam)
Palmateer, Tim (Traci) Palmateer, Tom Palmateer, sister-in-law Brenda Palmateer,
brother-in-law Dave McAlpine, along with many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Bud’s life will take place on Saturday, July 22, 2023, 11:00 a.m.
at Trinity Missionary Church, 304 North Street in Yale, Michigan with Pastor Tom Knight
officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to any of the churches Bud loved and served:
Trinity Missionary Church of Yale, Brown Corners Church of Clare, or City on a Hill Community
Church of Olivet.
So sorry for the families’ loss of their beloved husband, father and friend. He was a great person. I remember when Marion and Bud started dating. I think he won her heart quickly. So many fun memories from youth group! God bless you all.