Racine- Leslie Alexander Parker, age 89, passed away at his home early Sunday morning, November 17, 2013.
Les was born to Lloyd and Norma (nee: Alexander) Parker on August 27, 1924 in Westfield, Wisconsin. He attended local schools and graduated from Westfield High School in 1942. Les entered the U.S. Army on March 23, 1943, took his training with the 78th Infantry Division, and later joined the Texas / Oklahoma “Tough Hombres” 90th Infantry Division. His combat service took him through Normandy, France, Germany, the Ardennes Forest, Luxemburg, the Battle of the Bulge, Belgium and ended in Morshausen, Germany with injuries. Medals received were the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster; Purple Heart, and various campaign awards. Les was honorably discharged on July 5, 1946 at Springfield, Missouri.
Les married Shirley Mae Muske on June 19, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dakota, Wisconsin. The union was blessed with two children, Sheri and Steven. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 33 ½ years and retired in December 1979. Les and Shirley enjoyed traveling – visited forty-nine states, eight European countries and nine Canadian provinces and territories. With a profound Christian faith, they were members of several congregations over the years where Les served as a church elder, usher and financial secretary. In more recent years, they were proud members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Union Grove. Les and Shirley also delivered “Meals on Wheels” in Janesville and sermon tapes to shut-ins in Sun Prairie.
Les was a member of the Westfield American Legion Post for 26 years; life member of the Disabled American Veterans; life member of the VFW Post 1621 – Janesville; member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees; and member of the 90th Division Association.
Les is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Parker; children, Steve Parker of Roscoe, IL and Sheri Ellis of Harrisville, W.V.; grandchildren, Kelly and Becky; great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Natalie; nephews, Paul Parker of Westfield, Peter Parker of Beaver Dam, and Phillip Parker of Pardeeville; niece, Pam Brassfield of Johnson Creek; brother-in-law, Jerry (Dona) Muske of Sun Prairie; friends, Fred and Connie Westrich of Franksville; many other dear relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Les was preceded in death by his brother, Leo Parker, who died in March of this year.
Funeral services will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (2908 S. Colony Avenue in Union Grove) on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 1:00 pm with Pastor David Peters officiating. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 12 noon -1 pm. Les will be laid to rest, with military honors, on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 11 am at Eastlawn Cemetery (2200 Milwaukee Rd. in Beloit). Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church – Union Grove “Gift / Trust Fund”.
Shirley would like to thank Dr. Michael Mullane & his staff; Hospice Alliance; and everyone at Home Harbor for their care and compassion. Special thanks also to Pam, Phillip, Paul, Peter, and Fred & Connie for their love and concern.
Jonathan Parker says
Uncle Les- you are with your brother Leo now, both two of the nicest people I have met, I hope someday I will carry on the greatness that you and grandpa Leo lived this world, please give grandpa Parker a huge hug from us.
Love ya uncle les
Jonathan, Sacia, Jayce and Alivia Parker
Crysti (Quinn) Prange says
Dear Shirley, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. My dad treasured his good friends Les and Leo and often told stories of when they were kids. God Bless. Crysti