William "Buzz" Palmer

William Henry Palmer III, known primarily as Buzz, died on September 19, 2026, in Duluth, MN. He was a curious and contemplative man who gave generously to his family and his community.

Buzz was born on August 4, 1939 in Rockford, IL, where he spent his childhood and graduated from Rockford East High School. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Rockford College in 1966 and went on to earn his Master of Hospital Administration degree from the University of Minnesota in 1968.

Buzz was introduced to northern Minnesota early in his life, spending summers first as a camper and later as a counselor at Camp Vermilion for Boys. He was elated when a job offer at Miller-Dwan Medical Center presented him with the opportunity to move his young family to the Northland in 1975.

Buzz enjoyed a rewarding career in health care administration, serving 26 years as CEO and President of Miller-Dwan Medical Center before his retirement in 2001. The Miller-Dwan community was close-knit, and he cared genuinely for the employees, staff, patients, volunteers and Board of Directors. He called people by name, asked about their families, and during some of the worst Duluth blizzards, was known to break out his 4WD vehicle to help employees get to or from work safely, no matter the hour. Buzz was extremely proud to be part of the Miller-Dwan family and to play a role in the work they did to provide access to quality healthcare in Duluth. He remained engaged in regional healthcare initiatives even in retirement, holding leadership roles with Generations Health Care Initiatives and Sisu Medical Solutions, LLC, and also serving on boards such as MN Safety Council, the Minnesota Hospital Association, Lake Superior Community Health Center, and Woodland Hills.

A lifelong supporter of the arts, Buzz had a particular fondness for classical music and was honored to be invited to join the board of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra shortly after arriving in Duluth. He thrived in this role, appreciating every aspect of the work–the music, the musicians, the music and executive directors, the board members, and the planning. Over the years, he was promoted to Chairman of the Board and even served as Interim Symphony Executive Director. In May 2023, Buzz was honored with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Community Spirit Award in Recognition of Service to the DSSO. He remained a proud member of the DSSO Board of Directors until just hours before the opening concert of the 2026-2027 season.

Buzz’s admiration for the north woods never waned; he was always most at peace in a good forest or along the lakeshore, with great music playing in the background and a varied stack of books at his side. He and Saundra loved spending time with their children and grandchildren at the cabin on Lake Vermilion, picking blueberries, canoeing, sailing, fishing and making ice cream. Buzz held a deep respect for trees, including the wood they provide, and spent countless hours in his workshop creating a redwood strip canoe, butcher block carts, bookshelves and cradles for his family. They remain some of our most prized possessions.

Lewy Body Dementia complicated our last years with Buzz, and we are grateful that Saundy’s devoted caregiving, along with the steadfast support from lifelong neighbors, allowed Buzz to enjoy life at home until the last weeks of his life. In the end, Buzz took his last breath in 2 West Comfort Care at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital, with Saundra by his side. We are especially grateful for his caring and compassionate nurses and care team, and we will always remember our Hospice Nurse Kathleen, who cared for Buzz and Saundra both with love, compassion and respect on the last day of Buzz’s life. To the many other families walking the difficult path of caring for a loved one with any form of dementia, we see you.

Buzz is survived by his wife of 64 years, Saundra; children William “Bill” Palmer of Campbell, CA, Michael Palmer (Margie) of Crystal Lake, IL, and Heather Palmer (David Sponheim) of Minnetonka, MN; grandchildren William Murakami Palmer, Trigg and Brynn Palmer; sister Georgia Pogue of Dallas, TX; sisters-in-law Kay Palmer of Gulf Shores, AL and Margo Whalen (Thomas) of Ponce Inlet, FL; nieces, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. W.H. Palmer and Evelyn Bladholm Palmer, and brother, John G. Palmer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Miller-Dwan Foundation (225 W Superior St, Ste 110; Duluth, MN 55802), the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (506 W Superior Street Ste 7; Duluth, MN 55802), or Chester Bowl (checks to “Growing Up Chester” 1801 E. Skyline Parkway, Duluth, MN 55812).