Joseph G. Parker

Joseph G. Parker, of Fairbury, lost his long-fought battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia September 18 ^th at JCH&L with his wife of 46 years by his side. He was born in St. Louis, MO in 1949 to Gilbert & Marjorie Parker.  He was one of five children, one brother (George) and three sisters (Pat, JoAnn & Barb).  He spent his childhood going to Busch Stadium to watch his favorite baseball team. He was a lifelong Cardinals fan and never missed a game.

In 1971, Joe joined the U.S. Airforce as a radio analyst.   During his R&R in England he met his wife Jolie, of Bangor, ME who was there visiting her sister at the time.  After marrying, they lived in Bangor where Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in business at Husson University.  After graduating, they relocated to Omaha, NE and started a family, a son Aaron and a daughter Jessica.  Joe worked for UNO in the business office while earning his master’s degree in business administration.  Two years later they moved to Wayne, NE where Joe worked as Business manager for Wayne State College.  It was there they had their second daughter Amanda and a second son Adam.  He enjoyed taking his kids to the college to watch concerts, see the Wayne State Wildcats, and visit the planetarium.  In 1989, Joe got a job with the city of Creston, IA serving as City Administrator for 17 years.  He also taught Cost Accounting at SWCC and was a long-time member of Kiwanis.

He changed positions in 2006, joining the city of Worthington, MN as City Administrator and was a member of the League of MN cities.  His final position was with the city of Fairbury, where he would retire in 2014.

Joe was a huge history buff always reading up on WWII.  Joe’s true love was riding his motorcycle and made many trips cross country, stopping at every historic monument or battlefield.  Joe was part of the storm chasers but would also enjoy watching from his porch.

Joe was a quiet guy, but once you knew him it became apparent that he is witty, clever, a big fan of sarcasm and a goofball.  He loved his cookies, bagels, donuts and of course burnt food. The more charred the better.

An incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  His presence will be missed by everyone that knew him.  Joe is preceded in death by parents, brother George, sister Pat, and beloved son Aaron.  He is survived by his wife Jolie, daughter Jessica (Dustin), daughter Amanda (Anthony), son Adam, and three beautiful grandsons, Asa, Ajay and Avery of Fairbury.

A huge thank you to all the wonderful people that were a part of Joe’s last phase including Aseracare and Caring with friends.  Lesa Condon and Kelly Ann Paulsen you are forever our angels on earth.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 26 ^th from 4 – 6 p.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home where condolences may also be sent.  Stop by to pay your respects or to share a Joe story. Everyone welcome.  Go Cards!