Theodore R. Parker

Theodore R. Parker, 86, of St. Joseph, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Ted’s Life Service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI with Rev. Glenn Rosenbaum officiating. Burial will take place afterwards at North Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar Shores, followed by a luncheon at Grace Lutheran Church. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, November 5th from 5:00P.M to 7:00P.M at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, the Berrien County Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, or to the St. Joseph Sr. Center. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ted Parker was born on December 21, 1921 in St. Joseph, MI. On August 31, 1946, he married his bride Florine “Babe’ Samsen. Just three short months ago Ted and his partner, Larry, took first place in the Lutheran league golf tournament at Blossom Trails Golf Course. Some of Ted’s favorite hobbies included golf, bowling, church activities, the St. Joseph Sr. Center, roller skating, dancing, sports and wood working. Besides his family, Ted was most proud of his service to his country as an 87th Engineer in WWII. In 60 years, Ted never missed his Army reunion. Ted was employed by Keeter’s Korner for 45 years. Besides his loving wife of 62 years, Ted is survived by 3 daughters, Jane Lesniak, Diana (Lynn) Tippy, Lisa (Ryan) Katowich, and 3 sons, Richard (Barbara) Parker, Jon Parker, Ted (Wendy) Parker; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Eloise and Joyce. He was preceded in death by his parents-Clinton and Belle, a daughter-Linda Herman, and 6 siblings.