Terry R. Palmer

Terry R. Palmer, 70, born July 21, 1955 in Dixon, IL, was raised in a rural setting on the outskirts of Byron, IL and lived there his entire life. He passed away peacefully at his home in the loving presence of his family, on October 10, 2025.

The only son of Henry "Dick" and Shirley (Wagner) Palmer, he grew up next door to his Grandmother Evalene Palmer with his cousins just up the road. They all lived near the Rock River and Terry was taught how to enjoy water sports and boating from a young age.

Terry attended Byron schools and graduated from Byron High in 1973.

His father created a small business in 1958 at the family home doing small engine repair and selling Johnson outboard motors, growing the business over the years into a Yamaha franchise selling ATV's and snowmobiles at Rock River Marine. Terry tried his hand at various jobs before joining his dad full time as his #1 mechanic and business partner, eventually inheriting the business as his own. He sold the franchise in 2017 and continued to work part time at his shop until 2020.

Terry had a need for speed like no other, racing whatever had skis or wheels and a motor. He won countless trophies in snowmobile and ATV bracket racing and grass drags, even putting wheels on a snowmobile to race it down the Byron Drag strip. He was a member of several snowmobile and ATV clubs in Illinois and Wisconsin including the Byron Sno-Blasters, Byron Motosports Park and the Rock River Riders. He also held a membership with the American Motorcyclist Association. Rock River Marine also won a few awards including one from the IL Association of Snowmobile Clubs for holding yearly membership from 1987 thru 1995 and one from the Yamaha Motor Company for Customer Satisfaction 1st place.

Terry was passionate about firearms and was a member of the NRA. He studied and completed all of the course work to earn his concealed carry permit. He also kept his IL DNR hunting and fishing license current every year.

Terry was a super guy, very laid back and loved nature and animals. He had a big heart and was very loyal. He was extremely self-sufficient and had a multitude of talents. Like his dad, he could fix anything and took great pride in designing and building his own energy efficient house on the land where he was raised and worked.

In addition to snowmobiling and ATV adventures in rugged wooded areas, mountains and sand dunes, he enjoyed playing volleyball, boating and water skiing, camping, building great bonfires and watching motocross racing and football, being mostly loyal to the Chicago Bears.

Terry was preceded in death by his father Dick Palmer, nephew Shannon Palmer, BIL Michael Smith and SIL Linda Burton.

He is survived by his life partner and wife of 26 years Jane Rowl, mother Shirley Palmer, daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Bob Brown, grandson Eric Brown and granddaughter Tatum Brown, sister Victoria

Smith, nephew Jamal Floate and great-niece Wren Flowers, BIL's Rodney (Sherry) Rowl, David (Cristine Hirsch) Rowl and Art Upmann, Aunt Dixie Dzielak, family friend and employee Eric Roushia and his wife Heather Roushia who was also Terry's special nurse and their children Maddy and Sebastian, many loving cousins, friends and his dear GSD puppy Sasha. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In accordance with Terry's wishes, cremation care has been provided and entrusted to Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services.

A Celebration of Terry's life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Rock River Marine, 1880 E. Town Line Rd., Leaf River, IL 61047. Friends and family are welcome to join us for an open house from 1-4 p.m. for sharing our treasured memories, stories and laughter, a drink and a bite to eat.