Helen K. Palmer (nee Dodd) passed away peacefully at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home, Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the age of 78 years.

Survived by her son Richard (Susan) Ollis and daughter Debbie (Alan) Braun.  Her step-children Ken (Carol) Palmer and Tom (Marilyn) Palmer.  Six step-grandchildren Betsy, Margo, John, Brian, Michael and Christy. Two brothers Robert and Phil (Marie) Dodd.  

Preceded in death by her first husband Donald M. Ollis (1996) and her second husband Kenneth F. Palmer (2009).  A brother John A. Dodd, Jr. (2017) and a sister Patsy.  

Helen was born February 26, 1939 in Cairo, Illinois to John Anderson and Clara Mae (nee Tudor) Dodd.  

She was raised in Olive Branch, Illinois.  

Helen retired from Heinemann Bakery and was formerly the Midwest Distribution Representative for Handelman Record Co.

Member and past state and national recorder of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Daughters of the Union and American Genealogy Society.  

Helen was a teacher of Genealogy at Joliet Junior College.

Private funeral services were be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd.  Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.  For information call 815-744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com.