Donald Parker

Donald W. Parker, 72, transitioned to Heaven on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Don was born in Grafton, North Dakota to Wesley and Dorothy (Siewert) Parker. He grew up in Drayton, completed his education there, and then entered the Marines. He returned to Drayton for a short time and then traveled the U.S. opening retail stores for Shoe Corporation of America. Don settled in Madison, WI, where he married Michele Schissel on December 13, 1986. He started Don Parker Construction in 1987 and founded His Living Word Church in 1992. He served as senior pastor since its inception.

His passion was teaching the word of God, which he taught with clarity, authority, and humor. A close second was flying; he earned his private pilot’s license in the 1984. He also played classical guitar and enjoyed golf.

He is missed by his wife, Michele; children, Andrew & Chereeka Janisch, Stoughton, WI, Watson & Deborah Cooper, Cottage Grove, WI; Beverly & Will Champine, Shawano, WI; and his many grandchildren. He will also be missed by his dear friend Maureen Preuss, McFarland, WI and all of the members of His Living Word Church. He loved and served too many people to list.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Curtis. He leaves behind his sister-in-law Cheryl Parker, nieces and nephew Stephanie (Kevin) Kirkeby, Drayton, ND; Tim (Tatum) Parker, Holcomb, KS; Amanda (Mike) Ryan, Drayton, ND; and their children.

Visitation will be from 10AM-12PM (noon) on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Cress Funeral Service STOUGHTON, 206 W. Page St. with a Funeral Service to begin at 12PM (noon). Pastor Beverly Champine presiding.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes charitable donations to His Living Word Church in memory of Pastor Don and to support his lifework.