Name: Visitation for Stephen Parker
Start: 2016-01-09T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-01-09T17:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Gregory's Episcopal Church

Stephen G. Parker, 59, of Lake Zurich, passed away December 25, 2015 at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington. Blind since birth, Steve was born December 26, 1955 in Lake Forest to Jack D. and Marian (McAllister) Parker. On May 26, 1984, he married Holly Thiede in Deerfield. A 1974 graduate of Deerfield High School where he was a recipient of the John F. Kennedy award, Steve went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Illinois, majoring in Spanish. During that time he spent a year abroad in Barcelona. In 2010, after a 30 year career, Steve retired from The Northern Trust Company where he was a Senior Systems Analyst and Vice President. An avid Chicago Cubs fan, Steve enjoyed computers, ham radio, traveling, braille literacy, music and playing his violin. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Holly Parker; brothers, Ken (Jana) and John (Lauren) Parker; sister-in-law, Megan (Jesse) Krueger; three beloved nieces, Katherine Parker, Lisa Parker and Loryn M. Potter. Steve was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, 815 Wilmot Road, Deerfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Braille Press, 88 Saint Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115-4302 or American Printing House for the Blind, Inc., 1839 Frankfort Avenue, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206-0085. Online condolences may be made at querhammerandflagg.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune from Jan. 5 to Jan. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Parker

13 Entries

Jean Bailey

December 28, 2021

Dear Holly,

I was so moved by the monument to your truly remarkable husband at the Bohemian Cemetery in Chicago.
The sculpture is amazingly beautiful. I think it shows numerous sides of your beloved.
Thanks for sharing him with the public.
I hope you are well and you still have a kitty to comfort you.

Sharon Winters

June 3, 2016

I just found out Steve passed away. He was such a joy to work with at the Bank. I attended his retirement party in 2010. Condolences to his wife and family.

Tim Theriault

January 22, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the Parker family. I worked with Steve at Northern in the early days of our career at 125 S Wacker. Since we sat next to each other, I enjoyed his talent and sense of humor. I think of Steve often for all of his success and Northern was a better place because of Steve.

Lin Reichenbach and Family

January 9, 2016

Condolences to the Parker families and prayers for a wonderfully talented man. I can't believe what Steve had accomplished in his life.
God Bless.

January 8, 2016

Holly, and Parker family,

My deepest condolences on Steve's passing. I've never known a more inspirational and remarkable person. Rest in peace, Steve.

Sincerely,
Donna Wallington Shelton

Glenn and Shirley Dau

January 7, 2016

We are so deeply saddened with Steve's passing. His presence in any room was so very precious and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to you, Holly, and to the entire Parker family.

Clare Urion McCully

January 7, 2016

I am so saddened to learn of Steve's passing and I send the deepest of love and condolences to the Parker family, especially Holly. Steve was a tremendous person. I treasure the hours I spent playing in the St. Gregory's choir with him. My mother read to him, long before there were books on tape. He honored my mother at my grandfather's funeral when we heard from the choir loft his magnificent violin playing my grandfather's favorite Bach piece. His joy for life, his "can do" spirit was an example for us all. On behalf of the Urion family, I send our love.

Sandy Spriester Markowitz

January 5, 2016

Holly and Parker family,
I was very saddened to hear of Steve's passing. Steve was a wonderful person and a great violinist. He also had a great personality! I know he will be deeply missed by all.

Linda Casey

January 5, 2016

Holly, my heart goes out to you as you grieve the loss of your soul mate. Steve was a joy to be around and will be deeply missed.

Kathy Howard Layton

January 5, 2016

Holly, my prayers for you and your family to find peace through your faith.

I met Steve in 1967, when I moved to Deerfield with my parents. I attended St Gregory's with my family and graduated from DHS a year before Steve. Steve played at my wedding in 1977. I will always remember him as a happy and friendly person.

God Bless.

January 4, 2016

Praying for God's healing touch for Holly's heart and peace to her beloved soul mate. Chris D.

January 3, 2016

May Steve find peace, may Holly find strength and comfort.

June, Chip, Patti, Paul, Norah, Alison, Dave, Christopher, PJ, Ashley, Lily Rose and Logan Kevin...The Barkley Family

January 3, 2016

Never a more focused and deeply sighted man have we known. His strength, determination, and success are lessons and models for all of us.
He shall be missed. And his wonderful wife and best friend, Holly, shall be in our prayers.

Alison Barkley and Dave Haworth

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results