Rosemary Parker
November 15, 1932 ~ June 26, 2018
Rosemary Therese Parker was born November 15, 1932 to Oscar Dahlberg and Rosella (Horan) Dahlberg in Lake Park, Minnesota. Born on a Tuesday, this child of grace departed this earth 85 years later on a Tuesday, in a state of grace surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was beautiful in life and in death.
Rosemary was the youngest of three children. Raised by Swedish and Irish parents, with families so devout in their own faith, the couple waited many years before they were allowed to marry. Religion was important to Rosemary, but never a stumbling block as she recognized the need for diversity early in her life. She raised her three children Catholic, never forcing the fit, but keeping alive Catholic beliefs and teachings. She later enjoyed the rich benefits of being a Befriender at Nativity Church in Fargo.
A strong, independent woman for her time and throughout her life, she traveled to Reno, Nevada where she met a charming, southerner stationed nearby at Stead Air Force base. On August 12, 2015, Charles and Rosemary celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at a reception just as they had 60 years before when they returned to Lake Park for Charles to meet her family and friends.
Rosemary worked in banking early in her life and later as an executive assistant in higher education and health care, most recently Banner Health Care. She had a strong work ethic, maintaining employment until 82 years of age. Not one to sit around after formal retirement, she worked in retail. At one time the entrepreneurial bug bit her, and she launched GGS Enterprises. Her work ethic never interfered in family life and regardless of what city the family was transferred to during Charles’s 25 years with International Harvester, she made each location a home for her children. No one could sew curtains, paint furniture or make something out of nothing like Rosie. She followed her son’s participation in sports with pride and coached all her children in their adult lives believing in education, self-worth and instilling the love of travel in each of them.
One of her joys in life were visits from family members, especially her favorite nieces and nephews who traveled to help the family feel at home in new cities. You know who you are…..
Chuck might plan the social activities but Rosie wrote the rest of the story.
She shared her birth date with her niece Mona and as often as possible over the years they celebrated together. Rosie put great effort into attending or remembering special events and birthdays of her other nieces and nephews.
Rosie loved Jerilynd and Michael, her grandchildren. She provided a steady flow of love and affection in their young lives and kept things on course for them later on; believing in them for eternity. Beginning in 2012, she became great grandma (GG) always believing all children are a gift to be treasured.
Not to be missed was her devotion to her k9 family members; Romeo, Chuckles, Chico, Winston and Ike. They often shared ice cream each night as part of their evening routine.
She is survived by her son Gerald Parker, Lake Park, Minnesota, son, Gary Parker (Shar Sitter), Lakeville Minnesota, daughter Sandra Leyland (Honorable Thomas Olson) Fargo, grandchildren Jerilynd and Michael Leyland, great grandchildren Mikayla Rose and Madison Ramona Leyland, foster grandchild Jacob Adams, step grandchildren Emily and Erik Hatch, their daughter Finley and son Simon, and Maggie and Eric Hartmann, her sister Veronica Nylander and sisters in laws, Doris Dahlberg, Roberta Perkey, Donna Faye Parker, and Verlene Bentley, and brother in law Carroll Wayne Parker. She treasured her step grandchildren, nieces and nephews near and far. Family was family, close friends were often family and there were never enough hours in the day to follow them on Facebook.
Preceding her in death were her husband Charles L. Parker, her parents, a brother Marvin Dahlberg, niece Lynette Mulcahy, nephew Robert Porter and two infant souls she will now hold close to her. Her brother in laws, Lester Nylander, Wilford Parker, Dennis Rhea and sister in law Reba Rhea also passed previously to Rosemary.
The family would like to thank the medical team of Sanford Health and the palliative care received at end of life.
Memorials in her name can be made to the Fraser, Ltd., transitional youth services program in recognition of youth struggles with homelessness, and addiction, 2902 South University Drive Fargo, North Dakota or Life Rebuilders, PO Box 7067, Minneapolis MN 55044.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm on Friday, July 6th at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, July 7th at Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home. Online guest book at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Parker family, What a sweet and organized LADY to work with, I had seven great years with Rosie and many fond memories you are in my thought and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Rosie at Macy’s and she was just the sweetest and kindest human being to be around! Prayers for your family.
Rosie’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Rosie was a special person. I worked with Rosie at Lutheran Health Systems for several years and we had a lot of fun together. I hope you share the great memories of her with your family to help you through this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss, Gary. Your Mom sounds like a very special lady. My Mom was also named Rose. Still miss her every day. We will see them in heaven with our Savior and all our believing loved ones.
May you experience the peace and comfort of Jesus during your grieving with family.
Blessings,
Tom Lundquist
Rosie was such a good person. She and I were in the same at high school and had some good times.
Our Junior most of us took a skip day at the lake. She was always a person that would go out of her
way to help. Know she is in a better place. bye ROSIE Vern – God Bless
Parker family,
Rosie was the administrative assistant in the vocational office at LRJC when I became an instructor there in 1970. I always thought Rosie was a very efficient, personable, business-like person. She was very helpful to all the staff and was a great asset to the department. I am also reminded that Rosie always had spiced hot apple cider about the last class day before Christmas and that the cider was often fortified by staff members, never by Rosie, but she knew about it. Many of us remember Rosie very fondly; you should be very proud of her.
Mike Deplazes
Rosie’s Family: I worked with Rosie at Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society many years ago. She helped me when I started working at the organization and was one of the sweetest and most helpful persons I’ve ever had the chance to know. God blessed me when they brought Rosie into my life! May He bless your family now during this time.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Rosie. I worked with her at Lutheran Health Systems and she was such a great mentor to me. Never lost her patience and always willing to help. And she was funny! She was absolutely the best!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I had the pleasure of working with Rosie at Lutheran Health Systems for many years. We discussed our craft projects and shared recipes many times. Rosie was a lot of fun, very loyal, respectful and indeed had a great work ethic. I always admired how well she presented herself, never a hair out of place and always dressed so nice with jewelry to compliment every outfit.
Dear Sandie and Family,
My Family and I want to send our condolences and thoughts during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss of such a wonderful, nurturing and caring person.