Robert D Palmquist

Robert “Bob” Palmquist, 89, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at the William Childs Hospice House, surrounded by those who loved him.

Born in Ithaca, New York in 1936, Bob was the son of Edward and Virginia Palmquist. He graduated from the University of Missouri before proudly enlisting in the United States Navy. During eight years of active duty, he served as a Navy pilot and later as an instructor of Naval Science at The Ohio State University. He continued his service in the Naval Reserve, completing a total of twenty years and retiring with the rank of Commander.

A lifelong learner with a boundless curiosity, Bob earned his Master of Business Administration while teaching at Ohio State. His interest in emerging technology led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Information Science from the Florida Institute of Technology. He went on to enjoy a long and accomplished career in information technology, contributing his expertise to Corning, GTE Sylvania, and Harris Semiconductor/Intersil.

Bob was an accomplished pianist and a devoted lover of classical music. He traveled widely and especially treasured his time in Budapest, where he delighted in the spring classical concert season. A proud member of Mensa, he was known for his keen intellect, quick wit, and deep passion for learning. Never one to stop exploring, he even began studying Spanish in his seventies. He inspired that same love of knowledge in those around him. His children fondly recall dinner-table quizzes on states and capitals, multiplication tables, and the spirited joy he brought to crossword puzzles, Jeopardy!, and word games.

Bob is survived by his wife, Judith Wetherell; his daughters, Karen Whalen (Thomas) and Linda Raquet (Todd); and three beloved granddaughters, Lexi, Addison, and Ella Raquet, who brought him immense pride and happiness. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Palmquist, and his sister, Judy Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Health First Foundation - https://www.hf.org/healthcare-home/health-first-foundation/make-donation (select “William Childs Hospice House” in the drop-down menu) or to the American Cancer Society, in honor of Bob’s memory.

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