Milton V. Parker, age 66, of North Branch died April 24, 2019 at home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 30th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service and also from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Monday, April 29th also at our Isanti location. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Milton Victor Parker was born on his parents’ 16th wedding anniversary November 24, 1952 in Valparaiso, Indiana to James and Viola (Ludwig) Parker. In 1970 he graduated from Chesterton High School (Indiana). After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served from 1970-1973. During this time, he was stationed in Australia and proudly served in Vietnam. He was a man of many traits but it was his love for driving a semi-truck that led him to meet the love of his life. On October 10, 1987 he married Catherine (DeGreeff) Parker, who survives. He had a big heart and was loved by many. Everyone he met never was a stranger and was known as “Uncle Milt” by many. In 1995 he enlisted in the Indiana National Guard, but serving part time was not enough for him. He soon found himself back in the Army full time and volunteered to serve in Iraq. The younger soldiers looked up to him and fondly called him “Pops.” He had an undeniable love for his country and all who serve. Included in the many service medals he received are two bronze stars. Upon retirement, he needed a hobby and became a member of the Rum River Rods and FYCC Car Clubs.
Milton died April 24, 2019 at home in North Branch at the age of 66. He is preceded in death by his parents and several siblings: Gene Parker, Linda Zerby, Ernie Parker, Judy Frazo, Lillian Weddle all of Indiana; Richard Parker of TN; Ben (Julie) DeGreeff and Alan DeGreeff, both of MN.
Milton is survived by his wife; 3 children, Kimberly (Phil Hagan) Brown-Homewood, AL; Allen (Lisa) Austad-Isanti, MN; Tiffany (Adam Saxhaug) Austad-Virginia, MN; 4 grandchildren, Kevin (Jade) Brown-Vestavia, AL; Bobby (Hannah) Brown-Fort Bragg, NC; Oscar Austad-North Branch, MN; Ayla Austad -North Branch, MN; 1 great grandson, Cameron Brown-Vestavia, AL; mother-in-law, Betty DeGreeff-Center City, MN; several siblings and in-laws, Mary Anna (Pete Coln)-Portage, IN; Joe (Bessie) Parker-Crestview, FL; Nora (Steve) Van Houten-Portage, IN; Fred (Penny) Parker-Montrose, MN; John (Teresa) Parker-Lake Station, IN; Donna (Dave) Higgins-Center City, MN; Leslie (John) Dravis-Stanchfield, MN; Teresa (Kevin) Reitz-Elk Mound, WI; Jennifer (Steve) Plante-Albequerque, NM; special friends Charles Wade and Sara Cockshott both of North Branch, MN; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Kim, I am so sorry for your lose, I am praying for you and your family! I love you all!!
Rest in heaven uncle milt. You will be forever missed. Sending love and prayers to the whole family
I am sorry for the loss of a good man, friend, and brother! He is now serving in the Lord’s army with his new orders and his ultimate promotion watching over his family!
Rest in peace my friend. Time to fire up the hotrod and put on a smoke show for you.
Sorry for your loss ! Prayers !
Love you always. Knowing we will see you again makes it easier. Love you.
Sergeant First Class Parker was our belived leader who we respected highly and admired. He was one if the best and always took care of his soldiers. Even though I had not seen him since 2006 I will never forget him the rest of my days. My sincere condolences to all of his family. He will undoubtably be missed by us all who knew him. God bless you Milton Parker.
R.I.P. Milton , you always were my favorite brother in law! Love you. Cathy and Kim the rest of the family…I am praying for your strentgh
The military does not produce quality leadership like this anymore. As a young soldier he was the type of leader that helped make sense of a chaotic situation and he take care of people. I appreciate the time I served with him and I’ll never forget him. God bless him and his family.
To Kim , Cathy & all those that held Milton near & dear my condolences. My prayers will be for you all. Truly Truly sorry.
SFC Parker was one of a kind. I was the Senior full timer at the 1538th TC in Elkhart when he was in the unit. SFC Parker was a leader, a soldier and mentor to many soldiers during his career. He was the type of leader that would always put his soldiers need before his own. I was lucky enough to be able to call him a friend. SFC Parker you will be missed by all that had the honor to call you a friend. R.I.P Milt will see one day on the other side.
My Sympathy goes to the family🙏 We all had a good old time in Burdick growing up. Fly high until we meet again.🙏🦋❤️
Sympathy and prayers to all of his family and friends. Hold tight to the promise that we will be reunited on the other side because of God’s grace. May you feel the Lord’s comfort and strength in these coming days, weeks and months.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for strength, and comfort.
I Love You Uncle Milton. You will be greatly missed. Give everyone a hug for me, and tell them I love them. I’ll see you all when I get home.
To Cathy & Kim, God’s peace be with you. ♥️
My prayers to Cathy and Kim
To Uncle Milton you are loved by so many ppl. Fly high
RIP may dear friend will always remember the great times we had in high school and after school. Will be praying for your family my friend rest in peace will always remember you and miss you.