Jerry P. Palmer

Jerry P. Palmer, 84, of Leland, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026.

Jerry was born in Detroit to the late Joseph and Gertrude (Pernack) Palmer. He grew up alongside his sisters June and Kay. He graduated from Pershing High School in 1960 and then earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit.

While working at GM, he met Rita Wood who also worked for GM. They married on October 21, 1967 and celebrated 59 years together.

Palmer was largely responsible for the design of the four rotor-Aerovette, which he noted was the most challenging design of his career, and led to the inspiration for many of the features for his design of the Fourth Generation Corvette. In 1974, he was appointed as Chief Designer in the Chevrolet III Studio and began working on the design and advanced aerodynamics that became the 1984 Corvette. Palmer also supervised the design and development of some of the division’s most successful design stylings, notably the 1982 Camaro Z28 and the 1987 Beretta. Palmer was named Executive Designer of Advance Design in October 1986, and in April 1990, also assumed responsibility for the operations of the GM Advanced Concept Center in Thousand Oaks, California. He finished his career as Executive Director of Design for General Motors.

He loved to go fast, whether it was in his Chevy powered ‘32 Ford Highboy Roadster, on his Harley or out on the water in his 1948 Chris Craft. He also had a huge passion for trains, especially O-Gauge. He loved to cheer on the Tigers and Lions, and especially the Red Wings. He will be remembered for being a friend to all, for his outstanding humor and ability to crack a joke with perfect timing. He was just one of those special people who could light up a room. He was a mentor to many and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jerry had a soft spot in his heart for animals and loved his German Short Haired Pointers Spritzer, Schatzi and Maxi.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Rita; their sons Bradley and Bryan; their grandchildren Lillian, Erika, Justin, Marcus, Violet and Beatrice; their niece and nephew Karen and Paul; and his sisters June (Stan) Krajenke and Kay Ritchie.

Private family services were held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Leelanau Christian Neighbors or Cherryland Humane Society.