Palmer Family... I’m so sorry to hear about Ralph’s passing. He was, as you know, an incredible guy. He inspired and encouraged me as a young business guy and I learned many lessons from him most importantly although it was nice to be important, it was a heck of a lot more important to be nice. He leaves a heck of a legacy. Rest In Peace my friend. Barry Boyer and family

Barry Boyer
November 26, 2018

Linda, Cindy, Becky and Jeff, I’m so sorry hearing about Ralph’s passing. I have such great memories playing basketball with Ralph. He would come running up to our driveway all sweaty from his run and just grab the ball and start playing. He could outplay all of us. ?? I loved it every time he was around. My heart is sad but I’m so honored to have known such a kind and warm soul! ?? Pam Printy

Pam Printy-Jacobs
November 26, 2018

Linda, Becky, Cindy, Jeff and families: the world has lost a true hero. What an honor and joy to have known Mr Ralph!! He’s no doubt reached a better place, one where he is at peace and free of life’s pain, but can still keep watch over his loved ones! Because you Know he is!!! Linda, what an example of being there for your husband every day, every hour, until God took over. Talk about true, deep and abiding love, of course with humor and perspective mixed in. Becky, Cindy and Jeff: thanks for sharing your Dad with me and my family. Never will be another man like that!!! May he rest well, the Angels have the watch, take care of each other! ????

Susan Davis
November 26, 2018

Just remembering Ralph's (and his family's) support of Harrison School back in the 90s. Very generous and thoughtful contribution to fundraisers etc. He touched lives in many many ways. My sincere condolences.

Sharron McElmeel
November 27, 2018

Linda, Ralph was one of the most positive, energetic people I ever met. It was hard after running into Ralph not to walk away feeling a little more energized and upbeat. He just had that effect on people. Humble, sincere, generous - the list just goes on and on. My deepest sympathy.

Jim Vacherlon
November 27, 2018

Palmer Family, I am saddened to her of Ralph's passing and I will always remember his kindness and laughter. Just remembering the Christmas Parties for Ar-Jay that Ralph would throw every Christmas and I still have the beautiful lamp & ornaments. Ralph was truly one of a kind please accept my sincere condolences.

Joanne Pontius Davis
November 27, 2018

Linda and family. My deepest condolences to you all. Was so sad to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was such a mentor to me when I moved to Cedar Rapids, giving me the job at ArJay. From there it was a career move to start my own company. But the knowledge I gained from him was invaluable and his generous and giving personality was such a pleasure. I always loved seeing him at ArJay. What a gift he was to Cedar Rapids. A true presence in our community. My sincere condolence and prayers for you all. Jan & Dick Siders

Jan & Dick Siders
November 27, 2018

Linda, Ralph was one of the most positive, energetic people I ever met. It was hard after running into Ralph not to walk away feeling a little more energized and upbeat. He just had that effect on people. Humble, sincere, generous - the list just goes on and on. My deepest sympathy.

Jim Vacherlon
November 27, 2018

Palmer Family, I am saddened to hear of Ralfs passing. Although I hadn't seen him in quite some time, I met him in 1999 when I began building in Iowa and used The ArJay Center for many products. He was always available to meet or talk about anything, he was always very cheerful and positive. He would ask about my family every time I saw him. I considered him a friend and he will be missed. My deepest sympathy!

Brian Ophoff, Stonegate Custom Homes, Inc.
November 27, 2018

Sending condolences to Linda & family. Enjoyed reconnecting at Jefferson High School Alumni yearly picnic. Man of kindness & generosity to his community.

Darla Clark-Zigler
November 27, 2018

Sending condolences to Linda & family. Enjoyed reconnecting at Jefferson High School Alumni yearly picnic. Man of kindness & generosity to his community.

Darla Clark-Zigler
November 27, 2018

Condolences to the Ralph Palmer family. The number left from the Gilman Class of '57 is getting much too small...only five of us remaining. We will miss you, Ralph. Take care, Linda.

Lynell Mitchell Dougherty
November 27, 2018

Wish Becky and family comfort in knowing Ralph is looking down with a smile knowing he’s in a better place and that he was / is loved by all through his journey to peace and tranquillity. My condolences to Palmer family??

Rick Anderson
November 27, 2018

Linda, Cindy, Becky and Jeff, It saddened me to hear of Ralph's passing. He was a joy and inspiring to work with. I don't think he forgot anyone he ever met. He was an encompassing and caring person. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Nancy and Ralph Rhiner
November 27, 2018

Ralph will be greatly missed by all his horseshoe pitching friends. He did a lot for our IHHPA organization.

Bill & Shirley Sprague
November 27, 2018

Ralph was never without a smile and a kind word. I have known him for many years, and have admired him, learned from him, and aspired to be the type of community servant that he was. We served together on the Cottage Grove Place board of trustees, and no one was better at his committee work than Ralph. He was a good man and a great guy, and along with all who knew him, I will miss him.

Kathy Toborg Cook
November 28, 2018

Sorry to hear Ralph passed away. Fun Guy, may he Rest In Peace.

MR. and Mrs. Joe Gase
November 28, 2018

Linda and family, our deepest condolences on Ralph's passing. He was a successful businessman and community servant, but more than anything else, he was a gentleman. He treated everyone he met with respect and made all that came into his orbit better for having known him. He will be missed by all who have known him personally, and by many who haven't but have benefited from his many kind acts.

Shawn and Celeste Gallagher
November 28, 2018

I didn't know Ralph well, but I have a fond memory to share. Many don't know that he often volunteered his time to serve as "auctioneer" for various non-profit fundraisers in the area. He was the auctioneer for an event at Mercy hospital years ago...his larger than life personality and fun sense of humor helped the Mercy Auxiliary raise more money than they would have otherwise. He was an awesome salesman. :) May he rest in peace. This community will miss him.

Diane Stefani
November 29, 2018

I didn't know Ralph well, but I have a fond memory to share. Many don't know that he often volunteered his time to serve as "auctioneer" for various non-profit fundraisers in the area. He was the auctioneer for an event at Mercy hospital years ago...his larger than life personality and fun sense of humor helped the Mercy Auxiliary raise more money than they would have otherwise. He was an awesome salesman. :) May he rest in peace. This community will miss him.

Diane Stefani
November 29, 2018

Dear Linda and family. So sorry to hear of Ralph's death. So many memories going into ArJays and he always had a story. He was such a positive man. You two provided Bob, Tim, and I with many lunches over the years. Just one great man. Take one day at a time.

Bob and Sara Vancura
November 29, 2018

Dear Linda and Family, So sorry for the loss of Ralph. I always thought of him as the most generous man with both his talents and time. I learned so much from him over the years and confided with him on numerous issues. He will be missed greatly by many. While I won't be able to attend the memorial on the 22nd You all will be in my prayers.

Thompson Price
November 29, 2018

Dear Palmer Family, my condolences. Ralph was one of those hardy individuals that I thought would go on forever. Cognitively, I knew better to think that. But he added so much to so many lives not only here but throughout the country where ever he spoke. Having had the pleasure of being at a couple of family gatherings, I could always depend on love being in the air from Ralph and to him. Ralph was such an important part of my late wife's life (Joanne Just). I can just imagine him asking her to assist him in designing a new kitchen for his new ethereal location. Ralph, you will be in all in our prayers and memories as you are in your families!

Stephen Eckert
November 30, 2018

Linda & Dear Ones We all knew Raph Palmer -we all learned & admired his spirit for life. We send our Thoughts with Prayers & know he will have eternal peace in Heaven. God Bless all you dear ones. Bob Hanson-Customer from Arjays, Realtor & Friend

Bob Hanson
November 30, 2018

Dear Linda and family-Ralph will be missed! Ralph always saw the glass half-full and was a true gentleman. He was cut from cloth that few men are. Ralph loved his family and was always excited to share any news of them! I will miss seeing Ralph and Linda together in the Hy-Vee. Blessings and love to you and your family - may he rest in peace~

Susan & Bernie Friedl
November 30, 2018

Linda and family--- So very sorry to hear of your loss. As a neighbor Ralph always had a kind word, smile and positive outlook on life! His enthusiasm was contagious. Hold those good memories close to your hearts. You are in our hearts and prayers. Carol and Jill Olson

Carol M. Olson
December 1, 2018

Many random words started to come to me while thinking of Ralph ... GOD, Faith, Family, Friendship, Generosity, Humor, Kindness, Understanding, the list can be endless...Celebrating the 79 years with him over the years has been an enriching experience... our deepest condolences to Linda, Jeff, Becky, Cindy and Leta and we Celebrate His Life with you

Norman Berthusen
December 1, 2018

Linda and family. Our deepest sympathy on the recent loss of Ralph. It was our pleasure to have known him for the last 30 years. We will miss his smile and words of wisdom.

Alan & Geneva Marsh
December 1, 2018

Our condolences for your loss. Ralph was a good friend to me and to many people. Always had a kind word and time to help you if you asked. His loss will be felt by many.

Gary A Conrad
December 10, 2018