Michael Parker's Obituary
Wednesday March 31, 2021 Michael Wayne Parker Sr. loving husband and father of 2 passed away at the age of 76. Mike was born on April 19, 1944 to Wayne and Lavina Parker in Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by Linda Parker (Gerard) his wife of 51 years, his sons Mike Jr. and Brent and 3 grandchildren Trey, Justin and Dylan; as well as his sister Sandra and several in-laws nephews and nieces. After graduating from Simpson College in Indianola IA in 1966 Mike served his country in the U.S. Army and had a tour of duty in Vietnam. After returning home he began his 60+ year career in the grocery industry. He met his soon to be bride Linda in 1969 while working for Randall’s SuperValu in Iowa City IA and were married in 1970. Mike held many positions with several companies that led him to live in many different states and cities across the country, to include Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, and Wyoming. In 1999 Mike went into business with his eldest son Mike Jr. and purchased Lindstrom Foods in Lindstrom MN. Soon after Brent joined and Parker Foods Inc was formed when the family purchased a second grocery store in Little Falls MN in 2003. Mike and Linda eventually landed in Dunedin FL to semi retire in 2008. Mike was able to continue to work in the grocery industry until a month before his passing because it was what he loved to do. Mike and his wife Linda had one hobby that they loved and that was staycations and going out to dinner. They always celebrated their birthday week by dining out; one of their favorites was Capital Grille. Mike loved to play cards with friends and family especially cribbage with his sons and grandsons. Mike was a diehard fan of the St Louis Cardinals, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Wyoming Cowboys.
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