Roger "Bud" Bigelow Parker

Roger “Bud” Parker of Merrill, Michigan

Beloved husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Monday, December 22, 2025. He was 86 years old. Roger B. Parker was born on January 19, 1939, in Merrill, Michigan, to the late Omar and Margarette “Ione” (Trombley) Parker. He was a proud 1957 graduate of Merrill High School where he played varsity football, baseball, and held various records in track. Following graduation, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Mildred “Millie” Stenzel on September 21, 1957; she survives him. After graduation, Bud began working for his father’s business for 8 years, Potter Street Hardware. He then started a 36-year career as a tinsmith with General Motors. The role of his lifetime, one he treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Spending time with family was always the heart of his being. Bud was a longtime and faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hemlock, where he served as a trustee for many years, donating countless hours for the congregation. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, Bud enjoyed golfing, bowling, and feeding all the birds at his home over the years. He will forever be remembered for being a dedicated family man, his generosity and selflessness to anyone in need, and for truly living a wonderful life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Millie M. Parker of Merrill; three grandchildren: Tera (Ian) Pilak of Watertown, WI; Erik Parker of Saginaw; Ryan (Marina) Parker of Saginaw; four great-grandchildren: Everly Pilak, Robyn Parker, Mya Parker, and Michael Parker; a brother, Robert Parker of Saginaw; a sister-in-law, Elenor McDonald of Midland. Also surviving are countless nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends, too numerous to mention, but held closely to his heart.

He was preceded in death by a son, Michael B. Parker; parents, Omar and Ione Parker; a sister, Shirley (Edward) Kalahar; a sister-in-law, Darlene (Clair) Keel; a brother-in-law, Bill McDonald.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 17927 Dice Road, Hemlock, MI 48626. Pastor Larry Warzinski will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill, MI 48637 on Friday from 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Zion Lutheran Church or God’s Helping Hands – a Zion Lutheran Church Ministry. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.