Merle Parker

VISITATION:

10:30 A.M. - 12 P.M., Friday, May 22 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church , 531 E. South Ave., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

12 P.M., Friday, May 22 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church , 531 E. South Ave., Chippewa Falls

M. Douglas "Doug" Parker, 76, of Chippewa Falls, died Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls while under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice.

He was born October 8, 1938 in Pembina, North Dakota to Marcella (Jacobson) and James F. Parker. When Doug was a young boy, the family moved to Minneapolis, where Doug grew up and graduated from Central High School, class of 1956.

Doug literally married the girl next door, Ruth Alstrup on September 21, 1961. The day before the wedding, Doug received his draft letter into the US Army (which he kept secret from Ruth until the ceremony was complete), and three weeks later was off to the military. He proudly and honorably served from 1961 until 1963. He was stationed in Germany and felt fortunate to be able to see part of Europe.

When Doug came home, he and Ruth built a house in Eagan, MN, where they lived for over 40 years until moving to Chippewa Falls in 2006.

While living in Minnesota, Doug worked for Seasonal Concepts in Bloomington, retiring after 52 years of service to the company.

Doug was blessed with the gift of music, which was his life's passion and even as a youngster, played the organ and sang for Sunday worship services at a church near his home. His musical career continued into high school and beyond, performing in many plays and musicals, one of his most memorable roles was playing Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. He also was the music/choir director for various churches over the years, including Minnehaha United Church of Christ in Minneapolis, River Hills United Methodist Church in Burnsville, and Peace Church in Eagan. After Doug and Ruth moved to Chippewa Falls, Doug immersed himself into the church community, directing choir and singing for many area churches. He was overjoyed to be welcomed into the community and to continue doing what he loved most.

He will be dearly missed by his four children, Steve (Vicki) Parker of Chippewa Falls, Stephanie (Tim) Price of Coon Rapids, MN, Julie (Roland) Peak of Carver, MN, Stacy (Kirt) Pickerign of Chippewa Falls; two brothers, James "Garry" Parker of Blaine, MN, Charlie (Nancy) Parker of St. Petersburg, FL; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Richard) Bach of Eagan, MN; nine grandchildren, Tony Parker, Courtney (Tom) McDowall, Jenna, Haylie and Kelsey Price, Corinne Johnson, Allison Peak, Parker and Mac Pickerign; and two great-grandchildren, Malia and Bennett.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth on December 21, 2009; two brothers, John and Robert Parker; a sister-in-law, Margot Parker; and a grandson, Benjamin Douglas Parker on September 27, 2012.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, May 22 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Jim Woldhuis officiating. Military honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will take place immediately following the service at the church. Interment will be at a later date in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church.

At the family's request, no memorials are necessary, but if you choose, please feel free to make a donation to any music program or charity of your choice in Doug's honor.