David S. Parker's Obituary
David S. Parker 114 Thompson Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa left this world Thursday, June 25th at Heritage Care Center at the age of 91.
He was born March 9th, 1924 in Liberty, Illinois to Reverend George G. Parker and Jessie McClintock Parker. He was the youngest son of their 7 children.
On July 1, 1950 he and Lorraine Volckmann were united in marriage in Clinton, Iowa. They shared 65 great years together. David and his wife were blessed with two children, Cynthia Lou and Douglas David.
Mr. Parker graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa. He received his masters from the University of Iowa & also did graduate work there working toward his doctorate. He had many National Science Foundations Stipends including MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Charmanad University in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Parker was elected as an Outstanding Educator of America in 1973. And in 1984 was recognized as a Distinguished Teacher of the Year by the University of Iowa.
He thoroughly enjoyed teaching his many students and taught in the Clinton schools since 1947. He retired from Clinton Community College in 1996 where he had taught for 27 years.
In his early years David was an active member of the Masonic Temple holding the 32nd degree. He was also a member of the KABBA Shrine.
He and his wife Lorraine shared a love of music enjoying many different types. They sang together in numerous choirs over the years. He was an active member of his churches as his Faith was truly an important part of his life. (St. Paul Lutheran of Clinton, Iowa, Zion Lutheran of Clinton, Iowa, Crosslake Lutheran of Crosslake, Minnesota, Love of Christ of Mesa, Arizona, Bethany Lutheran of Iowa Falls, Iowa.)
David had a passion for woodworking and the outdoors including hunting, fishing, and boating. He also loved to travel. He directed overseas tours for students and friends for 17 years. During this time some very special lifelong friendships were made.
He had many passions but above all spending time with and sharing his passion with his family was his true joy in life. Many cherished moments were spent at their family home on Sorensen Lane in Clinton, Iowa and at their cabin in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota.
David is survived by his loving wife Lorraine, his daughter Cindy Parker of Iowa Falls, IA, his son Doug Parker (Jayne) of Hastings, MN, 3 grandchildren Minette Zaimes (Tom) of Iowa Falls, IA, Jesse Parker (Sara) of Minneapolis, MN, Chris Parker of Hastings, MN, 2 great grandkids Jonah and Peyton Zaimes of Iowa Falls, IA and is special 7 nieces and 5 nephews to whom he was a father figure.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, 2 sisters, two nephews, and his beloved granddaughter, Katie.
Memorial Services will be 11:00am, Thursday, July 16, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church – Clinton. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory and from 10:00am to the service time Thursday at the church. Memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church of Clinton, Iowa, Bethany Lutheran Church – Iowa Falls, Iowa or The American Heart Association.
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