Donald Parker

Donald Darwin“Don” Parker, age 87, longtime resident of the Fox Valley, more recently the Town of Greenville, WI went peacefully to our Lord, on Saturday, Dec.20, 2025, at Brewster Village with his wife by his side.  Don was born October 23, 1938, in Hancock, WI (Waushara Cty), son of the late Darwin and Esther Parker.  Don's early years were spent in the Waupaca Area.  He graduated from Waupaca High School in 1956. 

   Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, aboard the USS Theodore E. Chandler DD717 out of San Diego, CA.  He graduated from the Electricians Mate Class A School, Great Lakes, IL.  Prior to discharge he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class.  Don was honorably discharged in 1959. 

   On Sept. 8, 1962, he was united in marriage to Kathy Grant at St. Mary Magdaline's church in Waupaca.  The couple enjoyed 63 Years together, which included building and spending time at their cottage on Little Silver Lake, Wild Rose, traveling to several states on their Gold Wing Motorcycle, golfing, playing cards, downhill skiing, fishing in Canada and more recently spending 3 months during the winter in their little home in Zephyrhills, FL.  An Alaskan cruise was enjoyed on their 50th wedding anniversary. 

   Don's financial career began with Household Finance Corp. Then moving on to Twin City Savings and Loan Association, Neenah where he specialized in home lending and was promoted to President/CEO in 1980.  Twin City Savings and Loan Association became Fox Cities Bank and was later sold to Anchor Bank, Madison, WI.  He retired in 1999. 

   He was a long-time member and past president of the Menasha Lions Club, served on the board of Lakeside Packaging for many years, served a term on the Board of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, was a member of the Oshkosh Elks Lodge, and was a past member of Ridgeway Country Club for 30 years.

    Don enjoyed life to the fullest.  He enjoyed deer hunting on his land in Ogdensburg and later at Embarrass, WI.  Bow hunting was his favorite as was duck and turkey hunting.  He considered himself an avid fisherman.  Many enjoyable hours were spent at the hunting shack playing 31 with his grandchildren and teaching them the sport and joys of deer hunting.  He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the woods, clearing trails, and cutting firewood.  His card playing also included sheepshead, cribbage and a good game of gin.  Numerous hours were spent in his workshop creating woodworking projects.

   Surviving Don is his loving and caring wife, Kathy and his two children Jane (Tom) Dawes, Shiocton, WI, and Jeffrey (Brenda) Parker, Larsen, WI, four grandchildren, Sarah & Cynthia Goetz, Justine Parker & Brent (Marissa) Arnoldsussen and 2  great grandsons  Wyatt and Lyle Arnoldussen, one brother in law Mike Nowling, New Hope, MN., two sisters in law, Beverly Parker, Pine River, WI, And Nancy Parker, West Allis, WI and other in laws, nieces & nephews. 

   He was preceded in death by his parents; Darwin & Esther Parker; son, Steven John Parker; brothers: Merle E., Jerry A., Raymond A. Parker (wife Bilie); sister: Janice Nowling, sister Carol Wiliams; and brother-in-law, Lowell Williams.

   A celebration of life and Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, N2385 Municipal Dr., Greenville at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 27, 2025, with the Rev. Father Michael Warden officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the service.  Military Honors will follow the service with the Neenah/Menasha Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in the St. Margaret's Cemetery, Neenah, WI.  In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Lakeside Packaging Plus, (a sheltered workshop) & American Cancer Society.