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Cole Funeral Chapel - Chelsea

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Norm Parker Obituary

Norm Parker Iowa City, IA Norm Parker, died on January 13, 2014 at the University of Iowa Hospital. He was 72. Norm was born on October 9, 1941 in Detroit to George E. & Margery F. (Stone) Parker. Norm coached college football for 48 years, retiring after the 2011 season. Norm served as the University of Iowa's Defensive Coordinator from 1999 through 2011. The Hawkeyes won Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2004, being bowl eligible in 11 straight seasons. Norm coached at Michigan State University from 1983 through 1994, winning Big Ten titles in 1987 and 1990 as well as the 1988 Rose Bowl. He also coached as Vanderbilt, East Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota, Wake Forest and Eastern Michigan. Norm played football and graduated from Eastern Michigan where he is a member of the University's Sports Hall of Fame. Following the 2011 season, Parker was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association. Coach Parker was fortunate to spend 48 years doing something he truly loved. His memory will by cherished by the many coaches, players and support staff he worked with. When not coaching, Norm enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren (Tyler, Alyssa, Colton, Roxie, Bridgette and Jasmine) at his cottage in northern Michigan. He will be greatly missed. In 1966 Norm married Ginger Hunter. She preceded him in death in 1980. In 1981 Norm married Linda Hunter. Norm is survived by Linda as well as his son Jim (Denise) of Bloomfield, MI; daughter Suzy Parker of Nashville, TN; daughter Michelle Hoey of Pickford, MI; daughter Joyce (Rob) Anderson of Drummond Island, MI and his brother Bill Parker of Hamburg Twp., MI. Norm was preceded in death by his very special and dear son, Jeff Parker and his brother Richard Parker. The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Jan. 17, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, Michigan, with Rev. Dr. William Turner officiating. Burial will follow at oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea on Thursday 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held in Iowa City at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics or may be directed to The Norm Parker Athletic Scholarship Fund c/o The University of Iowa Foundation, PO Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550

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Published by Lansing State Journal on Jan. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Norm Parker

37 Entries

Jerome Bokina

December 20, 2015

I WILL REMEMBER

JERRY BOKINA

February 18, 2014

James 4:8 draw close to God and he will draw close to you.

David Newbery

January 21, 2014

Norm was also a great high school classmate and will be missed by all that knew him......Dave Newbery

George Harrison

January 17, 2014

Norm Parker...a great man and a great coach. I had the honor of being a teammate of Norm's at Eastern Michigan University and the privilege of coaching with him at St. John's High School in Ypsilanti. Norm was an outstanding leader, even at a young age. We had some special athletes to coach and Norm never let the rest of the coaches forget how fortunate we were to be coaching these great kids. Norm was always proud of his time at St. John's High School. It served as a launch to an amazing career. Hundreds of young men are better people because of their time with Norm Parker. Thank you, Coach, rest in peace...you are most deserving.

Coach George Harrison and wife, Chris

Elaine Dyker Renn

January 16, 2014

A friend from long, long ago. May all the wonderful memories bring your family comfort during this difficult time.

Rick & Tammy

January 16, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the entire family.

John Perles

January 16, 2014

Coach Parker was a great Coach and a Great man, from whom I learn much about both football and life. Truly a tough gentleman which is rear in our society.

One of the most humble and respected men I ever met. RIP my friend...I'm comforted knowing your now with your best friend Jeff!

January 16, 2014

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

January 15, 2014

Sorry to learn your loss. May God remember him personally. Malachi3:16

January 15, 2014

Sorry to learn of Norms passing Linda, You're in our thoughts & prayers to your whole family. We always thought a lot of you, our love, Ed & Terry Stacey

Pat & Kathy Morris

January 15, 2014

To The Parker Family - Norm was an inspiration to me and a pleasure to work with. He was a great friend and coach. We have many fond memories of our times at Michigan State University. (especially in George's basement, Ha!) Our sincere condolences to you, Linda, and your family. Go Green! A donation will be made in memory of Norm to the Special Olympics of Michigan.

Charles Elmquist

January 15, 2014

Norman Parker

A person that was timeless. He was always there for whoever needed help. The good times we had will always be in the memories of myself and my boys. They still often talk of the time they were able to spend with Jeff.
May he rest in peace and God Bless his family and friends.

Charles Elmquist
Grant Elmquist
Garth Elmquist

Doug Short

January 15, 2014

I, like many others from St. John's will have great memories of "Mr. Parker" or "Coach Parker"! He coached a couple of my older brothers, but he was my 7th grade teacher at St. John's elementary! Among the many memories, several of my fellow classmates helped him to move his household and were treated to all you can eat pizza. But the biggest memory was he and the A.D., George Beaudette, at the end of the football season, as a kind of reward, took the 4, 7th grade "ball boys" for the Varsity team that year (Short, Koch, Sutton and Ennen) to watch the high school football game of Massillon, Ohio Tigers vs Warren Harding Panthers, in Massillon! We followed his coaching career from his beginnings in Ypsilanti, to the last in Iowa. Coach, you left a wonderful lasting impression on all who knew you, and you will always be a legend in our hearts! Our Prayers and condolences to the Parker family.

Constance (Potts) Brown

January 15, 2014

I enjoyed being a classmate of Norm. He was very nice to me.
I hope his family will be strong in this time of sorrow. God
bless you all. Hope to see you in heaven. Bye for now.

Walt Alef

January 15, 2014

I was probably the least favorite and biggest disappointment to Coach Parkers career. I knew him at St.John's. But, the most important thing he taught me and that I have carried all of my life is to never quit or give up. That lesson has benefitted me and impressed others and I owe it all to him. I was responcible for him splitting his pants in Dexter at a basketball scrimmage my sophomore year he joked and laughed about it on the bus on the way home. I had the privilege of being taught typing by his late wife. And the year after he left St. John's he sent word through her that I had played a good game the weekend before and that meant the world to me. He will be missed my prayers go out to his family.

Doug Blakeman

January 15, 2014

What made Coach Parker so special was the fact that you "knew" that he "knew" that you could do it (whether "it" was, running, throwing, hiking, blocking, tackling). And the reason you knew that he knew was the twinkle in his eye when he told you that he knew you could do it. And "knowing" turns into believing. Does that make sense. I for one, and I'm sure all of the athletes and cheerleaders from St. John's High School, will never forget Coach Parker. I'm forever grateful I "knew" him. RIP Coach.

Kelly (Hackathorn) McDonald

January 15, 2014

I was lucky enough to work with both Norm and Jeffery in the Iowa Football Office when I was a college student (1999-2002). What a joy both of these men were to be around. Norm was always happy and smiling. He would never fail to spend a few minutes with you uncovering something new in your life. What a huge loss this is. I'll always have great memories of Norm, Jeffery and their special bond that I was lucky enough to experience.

Pam Passmore

January 15, 2014

To my very dear Parker family - I have lost a friend who brought great joy to my life in the times I spent with him and Linda. Those memories will be forever cherished. God bless you all...

January 15, 2014

We are never prepared for death so please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more for this has been promised us.

Glenda

January 15, 2014

My condolences to the family. - Psalms 61:1

Bankston

January 15, 2014

May the comfort and strength only God can give be with the Parker family and friends.

Willie Busch

January 15, 2014

With our deepest sympathy to the Parker Family. We have fond memories of all of you while living in Okemos and in Briarwood. Norm was one of the best coaches around.
God must of needed him for a game in heaven now.
May he be at peace and may the love of friends and family surround all of you at this time...
Love Guy and Willie Busch and Family

Len and Son Parker @ 2014 Outback Bowl

Len Tow

January 14, 2014

Greg Cook|

January 14, 2014

We were so lucky at Ypsilanti St.Johns to have Coach Parker with us at such an important time in our young lives .
My fondest memories of those days are playing football for such a great coach and man .
He was truely one of the good guys in my life and he has not and will not be forgotten .
Thanks Coach.
My sincerist condolances to the Parker family .

Betty Rumball/Mlinar

January 14, 2014

I have many fond high school memories of Norm.

Chuck & Nellie Naylor

January 14, 2014

Thinking of you, Linda, and your family. May Norm rest in eternal peace.

Brian Ptashnik

January 14, 2014

My mother and Norm went to Hazel Park HS. I met Norm the summer before my freshman year at Michigan State at a class reunion. Norm spent 2 hours talking to me about MSU football and how I made the right decision to attend the University. I only spoke with him for those short couple of hours but have never forgotten that experience. It was 28 years ago

Renee & Chuck Gagnier

January 14, 2014

I have wonderful memories of Norm from his years at MSU. He was wonderful to work with. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

January 14, 2014

Norm proved that he was one of the best to ever coach the game.
Quig

beverly davis

January 14, 2014

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Leonard Yenglin

January 14, 2014

My you rest in peace Norm, you were a good friend at Hazel Park High School.

January 14, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

victor checketts

January 14, 2014

May the Love of our Savior be with the family of this great coach at this sad time. Rest in Peace Coach Parker, thank you for all you did for the University of Iowa, we will always remember you.

joaquimaka redeemer-r barbosa

January 14, 2014

condolences from prophet of GOD in connecticut

January 13, 2014

My sincere sympath to the family of Mr. Parker

January 13, 2014

The loss of a loved one can be hard. Please have comfort in God 's love. 1 Cor. 15:26

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