Huachuca, where they basked in the sunshine and the camaraderie of their fellow military retirees. For over 30 years they were enthusiastic snowbirds, wintering from January through May in Sierra vista, AZ near Ft. Following his second retirement Palmer and Bunnie moved to the Deerwood area and built their dream home “Waldheimat” on Nokay Lake. As a man of deep faith, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a lector and eucharistic minister in his parish for years. He was active in many community organizations, including the Red Wing Chamber of Commerce (President), Lions Club (President), VFW, Snowmobile Club, Saddle Club and Minnesota Civil War Roundtable. Upon retirement from the army in 1971, Palmer and Bunnie purchased the Dairy Queen in Red Wing, MN, which they owned for nearly a decade. His poetic recitations of works by Rudyard Kipling and Alfred, Lord Tennyson stirred the soul and are among his grandchildren’s favorite memories of their Papa. His beautiful, mellow voice served him well over the years as he serenaded his children and grandchildren to sleep, leading family sing-alongs on many long road-trips throughout Europe and the United States and even calling square dances. Their six children arrived in quick succession over the next seven years. They were married in September 1955 at Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, Minneapolis, MN. Palmer met Bunnie, the love of his life, on a plane flying from Rome, Italy to Cairo, Egypt in June 1950. He relished spending time in the woods and cherished his annual family deer camp and hunting with his wife, his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed racing motorcycles in Asmara, square dancing in Germany and was a voracious reader, his favorite subject being military history.
He had a love of travel and immersed himself in foreign languages and cultures. Monmouth, NJ Relay Station Asmara (in the former Italian colony of Eritrea) the White House Communication Staff the Pentagon Korea Viet Nam and as Crypto Security Officer in Germany. Beyond his family Palmer’s crowning achievement was his 24-year US Army career, which included assignments to the Signal School, Ft. Palmer was born March 25,1930 to Ernest and Marie Beatrice (Coulombe) Drews in Saint Paul, MN where he lived until the age of 17, when he enlisted in the Army. Drews, age 92, of Brainerd, passed away on Augat his home surrounded by Bernadette “Bunnie”, his bride of nearly 67 years and his children. He was preceded in death by his great grandparents: Dennis Kletscher, Peter Pichler, Gretchen and Leonard Gullickson.
He was survived by his parents, Jacob & Samantha Pichler sister Greta Grandparents: Dan & Julie Kletscher (Brainerd, MN), Clarence & MaryBeth Pichler (Mondovi, WI) aunts & uncle: Hannah Pichler (Mondovi, WI), Leah Pichler (Chippewa Falls,WI), Gretchen & Jason Kreklow (Grand Rapids, MN) cousin: Kaci Pichler (Mondovi, WI) Great-Grandparents: Janet Kletscher (Merrifield, MN), Armella Pichler (Mondovi, WI), Arden & Marlyn DeBoer (Lafayette, MN): cousins, great aunts, great uncles and many other family and friends. May his resilience and perseverance live within those lives that he touched.
During this time, he was admitted to 3 different hospitals, experienced 2 helicopter rides and kept fighting until Mom and Dad were at peace and knew it was time for him to be with the Lord. In the last two days with Mom, Dad and family, Dallas showed us how much of a fighter he was. Mom and Dad hope and pray that he watches over his sister just as she did for him. Unexpectedly big sister Greta welcomed “Baby Dallas” with open arms and gave him an unconditional love that every parent should have the pleasure to witness.
He will be remembered for his strong set of lungs that he showed off to parents and staff immediately following birth. Born August 16th, 2022 at 8:25a.m., weighing in at 8lbs 9.9ounces and at a height of 19 3/4inches. He passed away while being comforted in the loving arms of his parents Jacob and Samantha Pichler during his last moments. Dallas Patrick Pichler, of Barronett, WI, joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 while being cared for at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, WI.