Donald Parks

Donald Carol Parks passed away surrounded by family on December 6th, 2025.

He was born February 16th, 1934, in Akeley, MN, to Cassius and Irene (Nuggent) Parks. He was the 8th of 10 children. While growing up, he was a member of the school band, choir, theater, and FFA and 4-H Clubs. He graduated from Akeley High School on May 23, 1953.

After graduation, he moved to Minneapolis, MN, where he started working at National Tea Bakery, retiring in 1982.

In 1956, Donald joined the military. He served in the 285th Military Police Company in Karlsruhe, Germany. While there, he became a typist for the company. They were deployed to Lebanon for 4 months, then transferred back to Germany until he returned to the States. While overseas, he found joy in visiting surrounding countries, discovering new sights, and appreciating the unique cultures he encountered.

After his return to the States, he reconnected with his former classmate, Bernadette Nelson, in Minneapolis, MN during the spring of 1960. They were united in marriage on January 21st, 1961, in Akeley, MN. They resided in Hopkins, MN, and later St. Louis Park, MN, where they raised their two sons, Bruce and Bradley. Throughout these years, they operated a floral business together, and enjoyed many family vacations including Hawaii, England and the East Coast.

After retiring, they built a beautiful home in Birchwood, where they lived for 8 years before moving to Rice Lake. After retirement, he worked as a home caregiver for individuals with mental disabilities for over 10 years. He enjoyed gardening, painting, and spending time with his family. He especially cherished the time spent with his beloved granddaughter, grandson-in-law, and great-grandchildren creating countless memories together that will be held dearly forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Elmer, Clifford, Robert (Betty), Albert (Shirley), and Harold; sisters Helen (Roy) Hemmerich, Grace (Charles) Perry, Clara Parks, and Shirley (Jack) Krueger; brothers-in-law Robert (Elsie) Nelson and John (Sharon) Nelson.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of almost 65 years, Bernadette Parks; son Bruce (Susi) Parks of Henderson, Nevada; son Bradley Parks of Stone Lake; his one and only grandchild, Alisha (Terrence) Klemish of Chippewa Falls; great-grandchildren Bow and June Klemish; sister-in-law Marilyn (Charles) Olson; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces & nephews, and great-great-nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held on December 19th, 2025, at 11:00am at Maranatha Ev. Free Church in Rice Lake, with a 1-hour visitation starting at 10:00am. A private burial will be held later that day at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Memorials can be made to Maranatha Ev. Church, Rice Lake, WI or charity of choice.