Robert John Parks, Sr.
June 24, 1927 - September 11, 2016
Obituary
MADISON/WYOCENA-Robert John Parks, Sr., age 89, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. He was born on June 24, 1927, in Hollandale, the son of Peter and Marcella (Hand) Parks. Bob served in the U.S. Army 25th Infantry division for seven years, serving in Japan for five years and Korea for two years. He married Suzanne Askey on Feb. 6, 1952, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Madison. Bob was a police officer for Monona Police Department for 24 years and the Arkansas Van Buren Sheriff's Department for eight years. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, VFW Post No. 7591, American Legion and a former member of Wisconsin Professional Police Association. Bob was a volunteer firefighter for Monona Fire Department for 22 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, the outdoors, and spending time with family. Bob is survived by his children, Robert (Charlene) Parks of Monona, James (Brenda) Parks of Sneedville, Tenn., Gerry Parks of Madison, Cathy (Dan) Wagner of Columbus and Tim (Laura) Parks of Waterbury, VT.; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; brother, Paul Parks of Shorewood Hills; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; wife, Sue; son, Randall; step-mother, Rose Parks; daughter-in-law, Claudette; brother, Donald Parks; sisters-in-law, Esther McMahon, Marj Askey and Lucille Parks; and brother-in-law, Bob Askey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, with Father Chad Droessler presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dementia and Alzheimer's Alliance of Wisconsin, American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society. The family would like say a special thank you to all of Bob's caregivers for the last 14 years at Larson House in Columbus, Prairie Gardens in Sun Prairie and Columbia County Health Care Center in Wyocena. "We are so happy that he and Sue are now together again." Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Sep 15, 2016 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Fri Sep 16, 2016 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Monona • 5101 Schofield St., Monona, WI 53716
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri Sep 16, 2016 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Monona • 5101 Schofield St., Monona, WI 53716
Photos
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Memories
DS
Dan and Barb Smith
Other •
Parks familly.
Your Dad, Bob and Your Mom Sue were great people and did so much for everyone and will be missed by all. You all grew up to be great friends to all and I'm sure they were very proud of all you. our sympathy Dan and Barb Smith
CS
corol scharff
Other •
Gods Blessings to you all ..Sue will be at the gate in heaven to greet Bob and will take him by his hand to meet Jesus..Much love, from Carol S
JM
Joyce Manthey
Other •
DearFamily,
I truly enjoyed my time spent with Bobby. From chair dancing polkas, sing songs, talking about fishing, hunting and the Brewers and Packers. Bob always would have a twinkle in his eye, I loved that about him. He would respond with "You are entirely welcome," whenever I would thank him for his help. I do believe it helped a whole lot that I knew some of your family by way of Amy my sister-in-law, or met you at the health care cener in Wyocena. This always helped him to know and trust me, which means alot.
Bob is in a better place, peace is his until we all dance again in heaven. He very much knew Jesus died for his sins and trusts in his Lord , hopefully all of you believe as well so you can all be in heaven one day too.
Sorry I missed the service I was not aware of it, my sincerest sympathy to you all and thank you for the opportunity to spend time with you papa, will always cherish my memories!
Your old friend, Joyce Manthey retired activity assistant CHCC