Mike Parker

Michael Dobbs Parker (1937 - 2023)
Michael Dobbs Parker, age 86 of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on December 13, 2023.
Michael (Mike) was born in Oklahoma on July 19, 1937, to Warren Parker and Wiltse (Dobbs). After a few moves to other parts of the country, Mike and his family settled in Sebeka, MN. There he attended elementary and high school before majoring in English at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, of which he remained a life-long supporter – always rooting for the Maroon & Gold.
Mike met the love of his life, Sandy (Sandra Isherwood) at an early age. Their childhood friendship quickly grew, and even in high school they knew they wanted to spend their lives together. After Mike graduated from the U of M and Sandy from Swedish Nursing School, they married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN on September 9, 1961. Eventually the two of them made their home in Perham, MN where they raised their two sons, Mike and Tim.
Though he loved many things, Mike's favorite role was being a grandpa. He treasured his time with his three grandsons, Trent, Tristen and Tyler, never failing to miss an opportunity to go hunting, fishing, or attend one of their sporting events.
Mike was passionate about the Boy Scouts of America, exemplified by his Eagle Scout rank and his later employment with the organization. Mike utilized his English degree teaching high school English in Perham. While in Perham, he also served as a volunteer EMT/firefighter. Mike was later offered a job as the Director of Human Resources at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, where he and Sandy have lived since 1986. In addition to his many careers, Mike was extremely generous with his time, volunteering for, participating in, and chairing/serving on the boards of numerous organizations; the Redeemer Foundation Fund, the Thief River Falls Golf Board, the Violence Intervention Project, Thief River Falls City Planning Commission, the Sanford TRF Hospital Foundation, and Lions Club. Mike will always be remembered for the way he was able to help people and positively impact their lives.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, sister Patia and son Mark. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sandra; sons Michael (Jennifer) and Timothy (Lori), and grandchildren Trent, Tristen, and Tyler. He is further survived by siblings Warren, Wiltse, Lynn (Jeff), Daniel (Suzanne), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls at a later date. The family will notify loved ones via the below website when a service is scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Boy Scouts of America, VIP (Violence Intervention Project), or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com