Dean Parker

Dean Parker, age 93, of Milbank, passed away at Avantara-Milbank on February 21, 2023.  His family is planning a private burial as well as a memorial celebration to be held at a later date in Milbank.

Dean was born on May 1, 1929, in Odessa, MN.  He was united in marriage with Patricia Schmidt on November 9, 1949, in Milbank.  They farmed for several years and then moved to Kent, WA, in 1960 where he worked briefly at Boeing.  They returned to Corona, SD, in 1961 and moved to the farm and raised their six children: Peggy, Debbie, Vickie, Jeanne, Deanna, and Doug.

Farming was Dean’s passion along with hunting and fishing.  They stayed on the farm until ill health forced their move to Milbank in 1978. He became a real estate agent and maintained and rented properties and established many long-term relationships with friends as they remained lifelong residents of Milbank.  After retirement they took several trips together and enjoyed playing cards and games with family and friends along with occasional trips to the casino. He was thoughtful, kind, and generous and always remembered birthdays and sent cards and gifts to all his kids, grandkids and great grandkids along with other family members.  He never lost his love for the country and took great pride in his farmland and until recently continued to make trips to enjoy the scenery and check on those crops.

Cherishing his memory are his children: Peggy Leith of Sioux Falls, SD; Debbie (Rollo) Lentz of New Ulm, MN; Vickie Parker of Lino Lakes, MN; Jeanne Parker of Sioux Falls, SD; and Deanna (Kevin) Diamond of Harrisburg, SD; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia (Schmidt) Parker and his son, Doug Parker. 

The Parker family would like to thank all at Avantara Assisted Living and Nursing Home Care facilities.