Bill Parker

William "Bill" Parker, age 74, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away October 14, 2016 at Borgess Medical Center. Bill was born in Appleton, WI on February 5, 1942 the son of Sylvester and Margaret (Fisher) Parker. He worked at the family owned Peoples Laundry and Dry Cleaners until his move to the Kalamazoo area with ServiceMaster, where he worked at Borgess Medical Center and then Kohl's in customer service. He was a veteran of Viet Nam having served in radio relay as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps. Bill enjoyed taking courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU; he was a member of Catholic Order of Foresters as well as the Knights of Columbus. He had a great love for all beasts, feathered and furry, especially his pal at home, Sidney. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas. Bill is survived by his wife Joanne whom he married June 29, 1968, 3 children: Joseph & Jennifer Parker of Paw Paw, Jeanne Parker and Sarah Parker both of Kalamazoo, grandchildren: Geoffrey (Sarah) Parker, Sean and Ian McConnell, Gavin and Rowan Parker, sister in law: Carole Parker, Aunts: Laurie Fisher and Bernie Fisher, nephew Steve (Kris) Parker, niece: Kathleen (Travis) Jones as well as their children; and many cousins. Bill was especially close with his cousin Marian Behrent whom he considered as his big sister. Friends will be received Thursday October 20, 2016 at the Parchment Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East G. Ave., 269.343.6156 from 4 until 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, October 21, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Father Kevin Covert Celebrant. Burial will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Cat Nap Lodge, Holy Transfiguration Skete: Society of St. John or St. Joseph's Indian School.