Charles Palmer

Charles (Chuck) M. Palmer (born February 3, 1939) spent his life dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of children and families.

His mother, Elizabeth Palmer, was a pioneering children’s social worker in Iowa and Chuck followed her example. After graduating from East High School, Grinnell College and the University of Chicago, Chuck began his six-decade career in human services. He spent time at the Child Guidance Center and United Way before joining and eventually leading the State of Iowa Department of Human Services. He was named the director of DHS twice, first in 1989 until 1999, and again in 2011 until 2017. His professional career also included roles at the Institute for Social and Economic Development and the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative among others. He served as an adjunct professor at Drake University and University of Iowa. Chuck was also active in local and national volunteer and community organizations including the American Red Cross and National Association of Social Workers.

Born in Elgin, Illinois, Chuck was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs. He also rooted for the Iowa Hawkeyes. From childhood, he spent his summers at the lake with his grandparents in Nisswa, MN, and continued the tradition with his family. He was a competitive swimmer and diver and played football during high school and college, and later on enjoyed weekly tennis matches with friends.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen (Heise) Palmer; two children, Diane Palmer (Mark Carpenter) and Mike (Chrissy Palmer); and his grandchildren Max and Sophie.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at a later date in 2022. A memorial fund has been established at NAMI Iowa.

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