Walter Palmer, a former heavyweight champion wrestler, died July 10 in Tucson, Ariz. Formerly of Chicago, Mr. Palmer moved to Tucson in 1991. From the 1930s to the 1950s, he wrestled professionally throughout the Midwest, Texas, Canada and Mexico. In Chicago, he wrestled at Chicago Stadium and the Rainbo Arena on North Clark Street and was one of the most popular performers in the early days of television. “He was known as the scientific, clean, well-liked wrestler,” said his daughter Gail. After retiring from wrestling, he owned Aerial Maintenance, a steeplejack company in Chicago, until the mid-1980s. Other survivors include another daughter, Phyllis; a brother, Bill; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services will be at noon Sunday at Colonial Funeral Home, 8025 W. Golf Rd., Niles.
