Raymond "Ray" David Parkin Sr.

MIDDLETON - Raymond “Ray” Parkin Sr., age 81, of Middleton, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at University Hospital. He was born on April 11, 1940, in Prairie Du Sac, the son of Archie and Kathryn (Sullivan) Parkin. Raymond attended Mazomanie Free High. He married Della Mae Sveum on June 23, 1958, in Mazomanie. Ray grew up in Mazomanie along with three brothers and one sister. Growing up Raymond enjoyed spending time with his family and playing basketball for his high school team. Following high school, Ray worked for the Black Earth Co-Op and became a salesman for Purina Chow. His strong work ethic led him into his own business, “Ray’s Feed Service”, in Mount Horeb along with raising livestock. After leaving the feed mill industry, he was an over the road truck driver for Cole Chemical until retirement. Throughout Ray’s lifetime he collected 48 antique tractors which made him the perfect candidate to be a lifelong member of the Two-Cylinder Club. Ray loved the outdoors, he spent his time fishing, snowmobiling and at tractor pulls with family and friends. In 2008, after 50 years of marriage, he lost his wife, Della. Ray had a heart of gold; you could always count on him. He could talk to anyone and was always making new friends. He had a unique sense of humor that will be greatly missed by many. After the death of his wife, he was reacquainted with a lifelong friend Marlene Mack. Ray and Marlene shared the last 12 years together enjoying each other’s company. Their traveling adventures took them to Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, New Orleans and many places along the way. From exploring local establishments they found their favorite dinner spots which they visited regularly. They looked forward to their long walks during the day and their favorite slots at Ho-Chunk casino at night. Luck seemed to be on their side. Raymond is survived by his significant other, Marlene Mack; son, Raymond "Raymie" (Marcia) Parkin Jr.; daughter, Donna Ballweg; grandsons, Brandon (Stephanie) Ballweg, Daniel (Macy) Ballweg and R. David (Karleen) Parkin III; granddaughters, Emma (Dan) Dittmer, Megan Parkin and Molly Parkin; great-grandsons, Jayden Rosseter, Cameron Parkin and Ethan Ballweg; great-granddaughters, Della Mae and Josie Dittmer, Lyla Ballweg and Chloe Ballweg; sister, Marcella Newell; brother, Archie Parkin Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Della Parkin; and brothers, John and Russell Parkin. Services will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO BLACK EARTH FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1710 Center St., Black Earth, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the start of the service on Saturday. Join us for food and friendship following the burial at 1110 Blue Mounds St., Black Earth. Memorials may be made to Wisconsin Heights School District Endowment Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Your gentle touch. Your tender care. A smile as bright as sunshine A heart of no compare. A spirit that will glow forever, In the memories that we share. Gunderson Camacho Black Earth Funeral & Cremation Care 1710 Center St. (608) 767-3684