Joseph Palma, Jr., age 97, a resident of Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream, and formerly of Wheaton for many years, died Thursday, May 31, 2007 at home. He was born July 13, 1909 in Chicago.

Joseph was one of the pioneer Industrial Designers in the Chicago area. For two years he was in charge of product design for Montgomery Ward and after that in his own business. A graduate architect from IIT in 1932, he was also professor of Product Design at the Chicago Art Institute for more than 20 years. Formerly he served on the Boards of Chicago Sunday School Asssociation and the Evangelical Child Welfare Agency. He was also a member of Gideons International, and an Elder at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Wheaton.

He is survived by his two children, Marc (Maurine) Palma of West Chicago, and Mary (Peter) Biegler of Poplar Grove; four grandchildren, Amy (Steven Jenkins) Adam-Jenkins, Donald (Jill) Adam, Paul (Melissa) Palma, and Michael (Mary) Adam; nine great-grandchildren; he is survived by two brothers, Lumir (Alice) Palma, and Jerry (Carman) Palma; and his sister, Libuse (Robert) Klug.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mildred; his grandson, Lonnie Marc Palma; his brother, Milton; and his sister, Louise Krem.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 4, at 10:30 A.M. at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1401 S. Naperville Road, in Wheaton. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to Gideons International, 2900 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.