Gerald "Jesse" Dean Parker

   Gerald “Jesse” Dean Parker, 90, of Lanesboro, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minnesota.

Gerald Dean Parker was born October 26, 1930, to Lloyd Leonard and Mildred Anita (Austin) Parker in Preston, Minnesota. 

Gerald graduated from Preston High School in 1948. He was later drafted into the Army during the Korean War, spending almost 2 years in Germany.

On September 12, 1954, he married Marjorie Ann Hanson at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lanesboro, Minnesota.

   Gerald spent 19 years driving semi-trucks for ROMAC in Rochester, Minnesota. He later worked driving semi-trucks in Texas and Colorado. Those that knew Gerald, knew he was an avid mechanic and loved a good yard to mow. Gerald and Marjorie enjoyed their retirement together by spending winters in Yuma, Arizona. While there, they truly enjoyed listening to some good jam sessions.  He very much enjoyed traveling, visiting family and friends throughout his lifetime. Gerald was also a big fan of the Minnesota Viking and Twins.

   Gerald is survived by their 4 sons, Gary (Nanette) of Rochester, Mark (Julie) of Burnsville, Michael “Mickey” (Laurie) of Rochester, Todd (Lindy) of Flagstaff, Arizona, and their daughter Tamara “Tammy” Nielsen of Lake City; 5 grandchildren (Gary Dean Jr. (Mindy), Emily, Amanda, Zachary and Courtney) and 3 great-grandchildren (Theodore, William and Abigail); 2 sisters Sharon McCallson of Surprise, Arizona and Judith (Judy) McGinley of Hayfield, Minnesota.  He is preceded in death by his wife (Marjorie) and parents (Lloyd and Mildred), 1 brother (Robert) and 1 sister (Betty).

    Funeral service for Gerald will be 11am, Friday, April 9, 2021 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Lanesboro with pastor Kerry Eversole officiating.  Visitation will be one hour before services at the church.  A private burial will take place at a later date.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Parker family: please send to Gary Parker, 401 11th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

   Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com

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