Palfenier, Carl Herman                w/Carol (Riner) Palfenier

Burial Date: 10/28/2025

05/28/1937-10/17/2025 (91)

Carl Herman Palfenier died peacefully on October 17th, 2025 at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family who were there to witness his final, purposeful, steps toward heaven – his faith unwavering, his legacy secure. Born in Reedsburg, Wisconsin on May 28th, 1934, Carl was the son of a preacher, and his early life, from North Freedom to Steamboat Rock, from Philadelphia to Manitowoc, was a tapestry of moves that stitched character into the boy who would become a man of deep conviction and gentle wisdom. Carl’s journey led him to Sterling College in Kansas, where he earned a BA in Psychology and discovered his lifelong loves: the ministry and Carol Riner—the woman who would become his wife of 67 years. He then received his Bachelor of Divinity at North American Baptist Seminary and later worked toward a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University. Carl built a life rooted in the service of ministry and of mental health. He was the pastor at East Side Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois from 1961-1966. Then in Park Forest, Illinois, he had a long and varied psychology career from 1969-1999. Most of his career was spent at Tinley Park Mental Health Center as a Staff Psychologist, Unit Administrator and Mental Health Specialist Coordinator. He rounded out his career at Elgin Mental Health Center in his final work years. Carl also filled in as interim and substitute pastor at First Baptist Church in Park Forest, where he lived and worshipped for over four decades. But Carl’s true sanctuary was his family. Whether casting lines from a fishing boat, cheering from the bleachers (and occasionally heckling referees), or officiating his children’s weddings, he was present—heart and soul. He always had time for a heart to heart talk. His hobbies included photography and woodworking. He was a true craftsman of heirloom furniture and whimsical toys for his grandchildren, and a photographer who saw the beauty in the trees. In his later years, Carl and Carol moved to Libertyville, Illinois, to be closer to family. Carl led the men’s bible study at Green Oaks Senior Living, continuing to minister to the extent of his abilities until his final days, demonstrating a love for God that was an example for all to see. “Once I can no longer be a minister of God’s word, my time here on earth will be done.”, he said. And so it was. Carl is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Carol (Riner) Palfenier, his children; Catherine (Matt) Hagele, Cherie Jacobs, Jonathan (Rebecca) Palfenier, his grandchildren; Zachary (Clair) Palfenier, Marshall (Carina) Palfenier, Gabrielle (Nathan) Brown, William Hagele, Tabitha Palfenier, Evan Palfenier, Morgan Flood, Eleanor Jacobs, and daughter in law, Arlene Palfenier. He was preceded in death by many, including his parents, in-laws and siblings, and most notably, his eldest son, David Palfenier, who undoubtedly was waiting with open arms to welcome him home. We will miss his steadfast faith, his musical ear, his artist’s eye, his homemade Christmas stollen, his woodworking wonders, and his keen knowledge of human behavior. But most of all, we will miss his heart – a heart that beat for God and for family. His life was rich and full in Christ and in family and he was grateful for it. A private burial will be held in Sterling, Kansas on October 28th, 2025, and a public Celebration of Life service will be held on November 15th, 2025 at 1:00pm at Green Oaks Senior Living in Libertyville, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for Village Creek Bible Camp or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.