MAYNARD C. PARKER

MAYNARD C. PARKER

     Maynard Parker, 97, of Marshfield, WI, formerly of Granton, WI, died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at House of Dove surrounded by his family.

     Maynard Clair Parker was born July 8, 1927, in Esmond, IL, the son of Howard Clarence Parker and Bernadine Belle (Bishop) Parker. He graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1945.

     He was united in marriage to Dolores Ann Sederberg Feb. 17, 1951, at First Lutheran Church, DeKalb, IL. Together, they farmed in Hampshire, IL, and Whitewater, WI, before moving to Granton, WI, in 1965 where they farmed and raised four children.

     Maynard loved farming and upgraded the Granton farm over the years, replacing old buildings, including doing much of the construction on a new house, clearing land and buying additional acreage. He was proud to have built a herd of registered Holsteins and a Grade A dairy farm. His favorite breed of dog was collies. In his early years, he was involved with the International Flying Farmers and loved roller skating. In 1966, he won the Progressive Young Farmer Award. After selling the farm and moving down the road, Maynard enjoyed model railroading, creating his own miniature version of Granton, attending steam and power shows and working a large garden. Following his retirement, he kept busy farming by working part-time at various neighborhood farms and kept active by walking several miles a day. He loved woodworking and making wooden toys for his grandchildren. In 2014, he and Dolores moved to Neillsville where his walking continued, with many friends and acquaintances noting they’d often see him out making his rounds.

     Maynard was a member of Zion American Lutheran Church in Granton.

     He is survived by four children, daughter Bronna Lehmann (Tim) of New Glarus, WI, son Jay Parker (Kent Lee) of Columbia Heights, MN, son Tim Parker (Amy) of Loyal, WI, and daughter Amy Veltus (Gary) of Neillsville, WI; six grandchildren, Zach Lehmann, Tyler Parker (Sonia), Bailey Parker, Samantha Pohle Gruber (Kenneth Gruber), Melissa Pohle Van Ryn (Parker Van Ryn) and Rebecca Veltus; and three great-grandchildren, Mary Gallaher, Lorelai Parker and Wrenley Gruber. Several nieces and nephews also survive him.

     Maynard was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dolores, sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Lloyd Pogue, sister Donna Magnuson, sister- and brother-in-law Marlene and Albert Valerius and two nephews, Robert Pogue and Allen Valerius.

     Visitation was at Gesche Funeral Home from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, followed by a private service and interment at Windfall Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Granton FFA, care of Granton Area Schools, 217 N. Main Street, Granton, WI, 54436.

     Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

     The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Maynard’s family with funeral arrangements.