Paul J. Parsek

Paul John Parsek died peacefully surrounded by his family on November 5th, 2016. Paul was born on November 6th 1924 to John and Matilda (Stauber) Parsek in Menominee Michigan. He graduated from Menominee High School in June of 1942. During high school he was a member of the Sea Scouts and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. Upon graduation his family moved to Rockford Il. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to proudly serve his country in the Pacific Theater, in the Naval Air Transport Service. He married his loving wife and soulmate of 63 years Vivian (Tomasini) on December 27th, 1952. Paul worked in the construction industry for over 40 years retiring from Sjostrom and Sons. Some of his major accomplishments were aiding in the construction of Rock River Towers, Pennock Branch YMCA and assisting in the Belvidere tornado rescue. Paul was an accomplished golfer passing the love of golf onto his children and grandchildren. In addition to playing baseball for the Navy, and being from the UP, he was very talented in ski jumping, ice hockey and speed skating.
Paul was a member of St. James Parish, the Verdi Club, and the Lombardi Club. Paul loved the Green Bay Packers, attending family sporting events and decorating for the holidays.
He is survived by his loving wife, six devoted children: Robert (Theresa) Parsek, Mark (Betty) Parsek, Paula(Jeff) Parentice, Lori Parsek, Tracy (Brock) Witte and Tina (Jason)Szymanski, 18 grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren, sister-in-law Dorothy Tomasini.
Predeceased by: Sherry Brock (granddaughter), Lukas Parsek (great-grandson) and George Adams (son-in-law). Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Carrie (granddaughter), Nick, Cheryl, Sarah, Melissa, Crystal- for your compassionate care.
Anchors Aweigh Dad!
Memorial mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at St. James Catholic Church, 428 North 2nd Street, Rockford. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of mass at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family will be distributed to: St. James Parish, Hospice Care of America and Bandofparents.org (fighting neuroblastoma). Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.