Whittenberg, Dr. Palmer 1915-2007

WHITTENBERG, WELLS

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/25/2008 at 15:42:18

Dr. Palmer Whittenberg, passed away on Sept. 14, 2007. He was born on April 2, 1915, to Drs. Charles E. Whittenberg and Alice M. Whittenberg in Knoxville.

Palmer lived most of his life in Iowa, where he received his undergraduate degree from Central College in Pella. He then received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1940, from Palmer College of Chiropractic. In 1962, he was presented with an honorary Philosopher of Chiropractic degree from Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis, Mo.

Palmer entered military service in 1940, at Camp Livingston, La., where he spent two years with the 106th Calvary before completing Officers Candidate School and moving to the 113th Cavalry at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas. Here he met his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Pearl Wells. The two married on April 8, 1943.

After serving just over two years in Europe during the Second World War, Palmer and Dorothy returned to Knoxville and he began practicing Chiropractic in the same office his parents had practiced in years earlier.

Palmer was an active member of the Knoxville community, serving on the City Council, Industrial board, Library Board and as a Rotarian and Shriner. He retired from practice in 1979 and he and Dorothy moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where he continued to serve his community.

He was an integral member of the original Library Board for 17 years, serving as president of the organization at one point. Active roles in his church, golfing circles and various other groups in Bella Vista were also significant parts of Palmer's life in this community.

Palmer is preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Mildred Burnett of Sedona, Ariz.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Charles D. Whittenberg and wife, Tess of Dayton, Ohio; daughter, Susan Griffin and husband, Tom of Fresno, Calif.; daughter, Linda Whittenberg of Santa Fe, N.M.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Services were held on Sept. 17 at Bella Vista Community Church, Bella Vista, Ark. Arrangements were handled by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, Bella Vista, Ark.

Donations in memorial may be made to the Bella Vista Library, 11 Dickens Place, Bella Vista, Ar. 72714 or to the Bella Vista Community Church, 75 East Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, Ar. 72714.

The Knoxville Journal Express, September 24, 2007