Russ Parker

Russ Parker, 77, of Winterset died Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Madison County Memorial Hospital in Winterset, Iowa. A visitation with family present will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, at Caldwell Parrish Winterset Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, June 6, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Memorials may be directed to the Iowa Veterans Cemetery and online condolences can be left at caldwellparrish.com. Russell D. Parker, son of Roy and Florence (Linn) Parker, was born October 27, 1941 in Earlham, Iowa. He attended school in the Redfield area and graduated from Redfield High in 1959. He enlisted in the United States Air Force following high school. Russ was united in marriage with Carol Fleischer on June 19, 1959 in Dexter, Iowa and three children were born to this union. Russ was a talented welder and he and his wife, Carol, ran their own business, Parker Welding & Fabrication. The business started as a repair company and transitioned into structural steel fabrication. He worked hard all his life and never really retired. Russ was a member of the Jaycee’s, Winterset Saddle Club and lifetime member of the American Legion. He enjoyed team roping practice. Russ loved driving horse drawn buggies, especially when riding with his grandchildren. He was known to buy and restore buggies. One of his main hobbies was work and staying busy. Russ loved tending to his cattle. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend who cherished spending time with the ones he loved. Russ is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Parker of Winterset; three children, Steve (Alice) Parker of Winterset; Rodney D. (Vicky) Parker of Norwalk; Teri (Kevin) Clemens of Winterset; eight grandchildren, Lisa Morton; Crystal (Mike) Wildin; Sarah (Matt) Jungman; Amanda Parker; Melissa (Brian) Netherton; Nicole (Dan) Shore; Eric (Kristal) Clemens; Jason (Amber) Clemens; 18 great grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy Bohan of North Liberty; Phyllis Rosenberger of Belgrade, MT; Norman (Judy) Parker of Jefferson; Marion (Jean) Parker of Murray; nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Florence Parker; sister, Gladys Parker in infancy; brothers, Marvin Parker in infancy and Robert (Joan) Parker.