Wayne A. Parker, of Manson, passed away July 26, 2022, at the Paula Baber Hospice House in Fort Dodge. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the United Church of Christ-Congregational Church in Manson. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Saturday at the Larson-Weishaar Funeral Home in Manson. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Manson.
Wayne A Parker of Manson passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 26, 2022, aged 92, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, & great-grandfather.
Wayne, the son of Lloyd and Reva Parker, was born November 14, 1929, on the family farm near Churdan, Iowa. He attended country school and graduated from Churdan High School in 1947. Wayne farmed with his father, brothers, and uncle until he was drafted into the United States Army. He served as a cook, stationed in Germany during the Korean War and following his honorable discharge in 1953, returned home to farm. He was united in marriage to Ardis Garrels in December of 1960 at the Congregational Church in Manson. The couple farmed together, initially near Churdan, and then made their home near Manson until Ardis passed away in 1995. Wayne later married Marlene Ditzenberger. He continued his farming operations until his death.
Wayne was a member of the United Church of Christ, Congregational Church in Manson where he served as a Church Deacon and usher for many years. He was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, and Lions Club. Wayne loved the time he spent with his family, especially dancing with Ardis, and listening to her play the piano and organ. He enjoyed the many summer camping vacations with Ardis and their children and especially loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking, home improvements, and cooking breakfast. He enjoyed card club with his friends and was very fond of his neighbors.
He is survived by his children, Roxanne (Wayne) Kramer of Waverly, Iowa, Rochelle (Juan) Bruno of Texas, Rhonda (Doug Bakke) Parker of Washington, Rod Parker of Colorado, and Ryan (Patty) Parker of Nebraska; grandchildren, Kevin Kramer, Scott Kramer, Michael Bruno, Brandon Bruno, Edan Parker, Olivia Parker, Thomas Parker, Lauren Parker, and Christopher Parker; step great granddaughter, Ellie Engle; great grandchild, Lynn Kramer; brothers, Harold Parker of Colorado, Paul Parker of Churdan, Iowa, and Glenn Parker of California; sisters, Lois Stogsdill of Jefferson, Iowa, and Ruth Nuegent of Churdan, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ardis; daughter, Robin; brother, Lloyd Parker, Jr.; and sister, Ruby Fister.
He was born on a farm and farm life was the only life for him. As many know in Iowa, farming isn’t an occupation but a way of life. As a farmer, he lived by the seasons and his life reflected the seasons of life as well.
He took pride in his fields and crops, he took greater pride in his children and grandchildren. He faced abundant years and those with scarcity. He was resilient and lived by example to have faith and move forward. As a young man, he served his country as a cook in the army. It impacted him forever; igniting a broader view of the world, the enjoyment for traveling, comfort in the kitchen to prepare a meal for his family and most of all, true patriotism.
A farmer’s life is a lot of hard work. He had many days where he toiled from dawn until dusk, working up a sweat and covered in dirt. But he recognized there was a time for rest and joy making a point to take family vacations, laughing and conversing with friends and neighbors and celebrating the many moments one has in life.
After a lifetime of hard work filled with rewards big and small, it is now his season for eternal rest.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1
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