Charles Parker

charles parker
Charles L. Parker was born February 6, 1933 to Floyd and Reta Parker in Parma, Missouri. He returned to our heavenly father on March 16, 2016. It was his father’s birthday. Charles was the eldest of five surviving children. He often spoke fondly to his children about his childhood experiences. Whenever possible he made the trip home with them, instilling in them a love of family, travel and learning about new places. Charles lived in Missouri until he joined the Air Force in 1951. He was stationed at Stead Air Force base in Nevada. There he met Rosemary Dahlberg from Lake Park, Minnesota. They married August 12th 1955 on the base and traveled back to Lake Park for their wedding reception, after traveling to Parma to meet his family. There were many humorous remarks over the years regarding their places of origin.  They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. International Harvester was Charles employer for over 25 years. As a zone manager he was often transferred around North Dakota and Minnesota. The experience of meeting new people always held an allure for him. He and Rosemary never failed to make each new location a home for their children and they always welcomed visitors. He was very family oriented and family values never left him as his children grew and new members were added to the family. Being an involved parent came easily for him. Charles had an innate sense of responsibility which he frequently discussed with his children. He also had a sense of humor and didn’t hesitate to share it. He loved wildlife and animals in general and finally relented to a family dog. Charles Charlemagne the III, Chuckles; poodle extraordinaire was a member of the family for 20 years. He was very proud of his grandchildren, Jeri and Michael Leyland and took an active role in their development. He always encouraged his family members to get involved in activities and speak up. Seeing his children were educated was very important to him and he modeled a strong work ethic along with respect and loyalty. Charles knew God, and his spirituality followed him in life. Born into the Baptist faith, he later converted to Catholicism.  The religion practiced by his wife and children. Charles enjoyed reading, travel, fishing for a few good bass, whittling, and gardening. He made the best homemade ice cream by turning the crank on the old fashioned metal machines. The only way to make it. He enjoyed sharing this treat with his many nieces and nephews whenever they came to visit. In 2012 he became a great grandfather. His love of family gatherings continued; including step grandchildren and foster children were important to him. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Parker, daughter Sandra Leyland (Honorable Thomas Olson) Fargo, son, Gary Parker (Shar Sitter), Lakeville Minn, and son Gerald Parker, Lake Park, Minn, grandchildren Jerilynd and Michael Leyland, great granddaughters Mikayla Rose and Madison Ramona Leyland, foster grandchild Jacob Adams, step grandchildren Emily and Eric Hatch, their daughter Finley and Maggie and Eric Hartmann. His many nieces and nephews form the North and the South were a delight for him. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Wilfred Parker, a sister Reba Rhea, nephew Denny Rhea, niece Lynette Mulcahy, nephew Robert Porter, and two infant brothers, James and Van. His brother in laws Marvin Dahlberg, Lester Nylander and Dennis Rhea also passed previously to Charles. His extended family was dear to him. Charles knew the importance of family having often sacrificed because of distance; events with his birth family. He had recently begun to enjoy the benefits of face time. His family would like to thank the genuine, caring staff of Elim care facility, and Hospice of the Red River Valley. The comfort you have given us cannot be measured nor adequately articulated. Memorials in his name can be made to the above organizations or Fraser, Ltd., Fargo, North Dakota. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Prayer service at 7:00pm on Tuesday, March 22 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

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  1. Rosie and family we are so sorry for your loss. Charles was a wonderful person and Ron and I were so fortunate to have gotten to know him as well as the rest of you over the past 30 years. He will be deeply missed our thoughts and prayers for all of you.

  2. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I always enjoyed visiting with Chuck at LHS events. He was such a kind and sincere man.

    May The Lord comfort you during your time of grieving. May your precious memories of Chuck help heal your heart.

    God bless.
    Val Whetter

  3. Dear Parker family,

    We are so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing husband & father. Your family was very special to us during our time in Devils Lake.

    prayers for you all….
    God Bless.

  4. The family of A.B. and Georgia Parker are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Charles Parker. My mother (Verla Parker-Landers) and father (Bo Landers), my mother’s late brother (Jackie Parker) and her late parents (A.B. and Georgia Parker) had great memories of him and his family. They thought a lot of him and knew that he was a great man. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Sincerely,
    Nicole Landers-Tucker

  5. CHARLES WAS A CLASSMATE OF MINE IN PARMA, MO. WE GRADUATED IN 1951. WE ALWAYS HAD A LOT OF FUN TOGETHER. I TALKED TO HIM OCCASIONALLY ON FONE. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.
    I GIVE MY SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO ROSIE AND FAMILY. I HAVE NOTIFIED OUR CLASSMATES VIA E-MAIL OR FONE.

    LEO E. MATTHEWS

  6. So sorry for your precious loss.Charles was a sweet guy to me when I was growing up. Reba and I were best friends. I often wondered where he moved to after he got out of service. So glad he had a happy life and lots of relatives to pass on his beliefs, character and gentleness

  7. sorry to hear about your loss. I knew Charles from our days in Parma. The entire Parker Family holds a special place in my heart. God bless you at this time.

  8. Charlie Parker – A truly wonderful man. Kind, caring and humorous. He and Rosie were wonderful role models for me. They cared deeply for each other, their kids and their community. I have great memories of riding all over ND in their International Travelall as Charlie drove us to baseball games. We all knew we were in good hands. His matter-of-fact southern ways always made me feel at home; their house was my second home. I once gave up a very long home run in a baseball game. Afterward, Charlie simply said, “That boy sure hit that one a long way.” Charlie, you’ll be missed by so many who love you. I’m honored to be one of the many. And honored to be one of the Parker Family. Mark Landsiedel

  9. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the memories you have, help you and your family through this life journey. Peace be with you. 🙏🏻


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