Maurice L. Parkins

GLEN HAVEN – Maurice L. Parkins, age 83, of Glen Haven, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. He was born on December 9, 1934, at the family farm in Beetown Township, the son of Lloyd and Iva (Myers) Parkins. Maurice attended Muscallounge rural school graduated from Bloomington High School in 1952. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army. Upon his return from Germany, he began farming with his parents on the Parkins family farm. On October 15, 1957, he married Carol B. Schmitz at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church in rural Mt. Hope. Together, they raised their family, enjoyed socializing with their card club, and dancing at The Checkerboard in Prairie du Chien. Maurice was in a bowling league, a salesman for Pride/Northrup King seed for many years and served as the Treasurer of the Beetown Township Board for over 20 years. Maurice was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council No. 4416, and the Abraham Hickok Wetmore American Legion Post No. 148 of Bloomington. He took great pride in maintaining the family farm and instilling a strong work ethic with his children.

Maurice is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Carol; their six children: Kate Esser, Don (Diane), Theresa (Jim) Wunnicke, Annette (Joe) Carroll, Dave (Alison), Jerry (Elizabeth) Parkins; 20 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Jane Ley; sisters-in-law: Myra Schmitz, Marcella Mulrooney, and Marian Swab; brothers-in-law: Joe (Kay), Jim (Marlys), John (Daniele), and Bob (Connie) Schmitz; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Iva Parkins; twin infant granddaughters: Jill and Jennifer Mezera; an infant great-granddaughter; brothers-in-law: Donald Ley, Maynard Schmitz, Leonard Mulrooney, Roger Swab; sister-in-law, Jeannette (Mark) Sweeney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington, Wisconsin with Father John Meinholz officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Dodge Cemetery, Beetown Township. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Maurice L. Parkins Memorial Fund has been established. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington is assisting the family.

Online condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com