Terry Lee Parker

Terry Lee Parker, 53, of North Saint Paul, passed away peacefully next to his soul mate of 27 years the morning of 1/25/25.
He was preceded in death by nephew Nathan, mother Margy Zabel, stepfather Keith Zabel, mother-in-law Joyce Cadwell and father-in-law Ron Carpenter. He is survived by his loving wife Jen, their daughter "the kid" Rhiannon, twin sister and partner-in-crime Kari Johnson (Scott), brother Bradley Parker (Lisa), sister-in-law Laurie Keegle (Troy), dear friend and official "3rd wheel" Toni Stump and several nieces and nephews (Maggie, Duey, Sydney, Spencer, Katie, Chris, Nick, Zack, Mari, Addison and Devon.)
Terry was known for his deep, hearty chuckle and sense of humor, but mostly for his kind, fair and steady personality. His warm and helpful disposition, along with his reasonable energy made him an amazing husband, dad, friend and leader. He was an eternal optimist that could find the positive in any situation, and was quite "unflappable" - always being even keeled and understanding (most of the time), while living in a household with excessive estrogen. He loved to talk, and could tell a good, albeit sometimes longwinded, story, as well as being known for his "Minnesota goodbye." But most importantly, he was a great listener. He would offer advice when it was requested or needed, but also knew when someone just needed a sounding board.
Terry was a life-long learner and loved diving into topics that interested him. He would frequently find himself down a "rabbit hole" while scrolling online...which often lead to some new hobby. Over the years Terry dipped his toes into a variety of interests, such as brewing, wood working, birding, aquariums, computers, financial planning, stocks, and oh so many more. He was a giant "foodie" and could spend hours watching cooking shows. A fantastic cook, as well as a master of the BBQ, his kitchen/grilling gadget collection was impressive (even if he only used them once or twice...ever). He was a big Vikings fan and always got a bit giddy before football season.
Terry loved to travel and got to experience many great vacations and adventures over the years. Two of his most favorite destinations were the North Shore and Disney World, however he was always game to go anywhere for the "Parker Family Adventures". He loved music, especially Fleetwood Mac (his daughter is named after the Fleetwood Mac song "Rhiannon"). Listening to live concerts was one of Terry's favorite ways to relax.
Terry spent a majority of his life working in production and manufacturing, but took a leap of faith and chose a new career with Bridges MN which he never regretted. His career switch allowed for him to learn a whole new field, as well as find some amazing friends and mentors, while creating a ton of happy memories. It was a joy to see him experience a workplace that was so much more than just "work"; It was a work family. His wife, Jen, always called Bridges MN her tribe, and Terry always said he was so thankful and honored to be a part of it with her.
Terry and Jen met in November of 1997 through a site called "One and Only" (via old internet dial-up!). Many emails were exchanged and they met face to face just before Thanksgiving of that year. It was love at first site and they moved in together 5 months later. Terry and Jen were true partners, always figuring out how they could split all the tasks equally. He was the perfect husband - loving, caring, strong, kind, sincere, funny, dorky, smart, hard-working and uplifting. He always knew the right things to do or say (or simply not do or say, but rather just hold and hug) when Jen needed emotional support. She was his true love, and he was hers.
Terry and Jen weren't necessarily planning on being parents, but when life went in that direction, he not only enjoyed the ride, but he adored being a dad, and was phenomenal at it. He said some of the happiest times were when he was able to be home with Rhiannon as a baby. It was rare to come home and not find him snuggling with the kid. Nothing made Terry happier than just being with his wife and daughter. He would often say that his wife and kid were his world and he loved them with all of his being.
Terry will be deeply missed by all those who were lucky enough to know him.
A visitation/memorial will be held on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 at Sandberg Funeral Home (2593 7th Ave E, North St Paul, MN 55109) from 1pm-4pm. We will have "story-time" beginning at 2pm, so his family requests that friends and family come with memories and stories to share.