Gary W. Palmer, 74, of Tega Cay, SC (formerly of Mason City, IA, Clear Lake, IA, and Ankeny, IA) died peacefully on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 (U.S. time) at his vacation home in Adelaide, South Australia. At Gary's request, there will be no funeral service, however, a celebration of life will be held in various locations to be determined in 2017. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.comGary was born on May 30, 1942 in Fridley, Minnesota. He grew up in Charles City, IA in the rural home his parents built. Gary was a man of strength and wisdom who lived a simple life. He was a dedicated father, brother, and grandfather. He very much loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren. He also loved life in the country and farming. He enjoyed telling jokes and stories, watching sports, playing cards and pool, and boating. He loved to get people debating about politics, religion, and sports. Gary was a stranger to no one, and after meeting him for the first time, you would not forget him. His recent love was vacationing in Australia where he found peace, relaxation, and a wonderful group of new friends to tell his stories to. Gary is survived by his fiancee, Connie Sours; two children, Sara Smith of Coal City, IL and Steve (Audra) Palmer of Fort Mill, SC; two brothers, Tom (Li) Palmer and Kent (Nancy) Hobert; five grandchildren: Danielle Hutchison, Mackenzie Smith, Zach Smith, Vann Palmer, and Sam Palmer as well as many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Carma and Bernard, his brother, Al Hobert, and his sister-in-law, Dee Hobert.