Jack Eldon Parks

Jack E. Parks, the only child of Jack E. and Rosemary (Gawenda) Parks, born February 7, 1949, Hammond, IN and died August 31, 2025 in Wheaton, IL.
Jack was a shining light in the lives of all who had the good fortune to have known him. His journey on this earth was one marked by kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him and we will always remember the profound impact he had on our lives.
As was his nature, Jack bravely faced the devastating glioblastoma diagnosis on September 15, 2022, with grace and dignity. He had an incredible will to live and the faith to survive. Jack was authentic. His character was wrapped in kindness, honesty, integrity, compassion and generosity. He had very strong values and was well liked by everyone, mostly due to his positive attitude. Jack always made time to help others. Our hero sadly lost his battle on August 31, 2025, at home in Wheaton, IL, surrounded by his loving wife of 28 years, MaryPat, and his diligent caregivers, Josie and Luba.
Jack graduated from Gavit High School in Hammond, IN 1967 and went on to the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute where he earned a BA in Mechanical Engineering and where he enlisted in the US Army Reserve. He graduated in 1971, achieved his license as a Professional Engineer, and later earned an MBA at DePaul University in Chicago. He earned an honorable discharge from the National Guard in 1977.
After spending 1971 - 1974 with the Bell Telephone system, rising to a managerial position, in 1975 Jack signed on with Airco, an American industrial gas and welding equipment company that was soon taken in by the British BOC Group. In 2006, BOC was acquired by Linde AG, making Linde the world's largest industrial gas company. Throughout all these company changes, his responsibilities grew and ultimately he managed Linde's activities for a large portion of the US.
Positions held:
- Head of Project Execution
- National Field Engineering Manager
- Midwest Engineering Manager
- Midwest Sales Manager.
After 40 years of devoted service in the industry, Jack retired in 2015.
Jack enjoyed his seven retirement years spending time with his family and friends, golfing, bike riding, boating, fishing, snow skiing, traveling, caring for his beloved pet dogs, attending concerts, plays, sports events, and participating in events for charitable causes, as well as vacationing in south Florida.
Jack was preceded in death by his devoted parents Jack E., Sr. and Rose Mary Parks. He leaves behind his loving wife MaryPat, their 2 dogs Yardley and Archie, many cousins, and father-in-law John Spannbauer and his wife Nancy.
Visitation Friday, September 12, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. with a service at 3:00 P.M. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 East Roosevelt Road, Wheaton. Please omit flowers, You may make a donation to https://glioblastomafoundation.org/.