Obituary for Norman B. Parker
Norman B. Parker, 74, of Mapleton, Iowa passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The funeral service will be Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Mapleton with Pastor Don Studley and Pastor Karen Handke officiating. Burial will be in the Grant Township Cemetery in rural Rodney, Iowa. Visitation will be Friday, July 24 after 5:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mapleton. The family is receiving condolences on line at www.armstrongfuneral.com. Norman Bauman Parker was born January 26, 1941, at Sioux City, Iowa, the only child of Fred and Irma (Bauman) Parker. He grew up on the farm near Rodney, Iowa and graduated from the Smithland High School with the class of 1959. On December 6, 1964, Norman was united in marriage to Sandy Peterson at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Mapleton. The couple then made their home on the farm near Rodney. Along with providing for his family, farming and livestock was Norman's life! He learned an appreciation of agriculture and carried on that passion until the time of his passing. The traditions Norman learned and embraced on the farm were those he then taught his own family especially his granddaughter, Leah. His grandson, Ryan, too loved being with grandpa and he was the one that often demonstrated a quick wit that Norman enjoyed. ξNorman and Sandy moved in to Mapleton in 1983 primarily to help with the family and their growing needs to get to activities or have a nearby place to land. It was during that time that Norman took on employment at Bomgaars in Mapleton, helping to establish the first store. He worked there for about 20 years and became an icon at the store but his heart was still on the farm. He still loved raising cattle, sheep, and hogs and the whole farming experience. He also did custom baling. As an active member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, he served as Board President and Sunday school teacher. He was also one you could count on as an usher at funerals in the church. He was an avid supporter of 4-H and was active on the Monona County Extension Council which he really enjoyed. For his service, he received the 4-H Alumni Award. He was president of the FFA Alumni at the Maple Valley School and received the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree Award for dedicated service He was secretary for Grant Township and volunteered as the master of ceremonies at the Grant Cemetery Memorial Day event for over 30 years. He helped judge the bucket calf interviews at the Monona County Fair just days ago. He couldn't have been more proud of both of his grandchildren as they won high awards at this year's fair. In recent years, Norm enjoyed working at the MVAO High School concession stand, if for nothing else, just to be with the people. Norman is lovingly held in the hearts of his family, Sandy, his wife of 50 years; a daughter and her long time friend, Teresa Parker and Dr. Massih "Doc" of Omaha, Nebraska; a son and his wife, Bruce and Jayne Parker on the farm in rural Smithland; Norman's two beloved grandchildren, Leah and Ryan Parker at home at Smithland; and his buddy that seldom left his side, the family dog, Maggie. ξHe was preceded in death by his parents in years past and a grandson, Nathan Parker in 2003.
Service:
Saturday, July 25, 2015 10:00 a.m.
St. Peter's United Church of Christ Mapleton, Iowaξ
Visitation:
Friday, July 24, 2015 After 5:00 p.m.
Armstrong Funeral Home Mapleton, Iowaξ
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Service:
Saturday, July 25, 2015 10:00 a.m.
St. Peter's United Church of Christ Mapleton, Iowaξ
Visitation:
Friday, July 24, 2015 After 5:00 p.m.
Armstrong Funeral Home Mapleton, Iowaξ
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