Gary L. Parke, 87, of Polo, passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at his home with family by his side.
Gary was born Dec. 17, 1933, in Chicago, the son of Dewey and Joyce (Miller) Parke. He married his wife Nancy on Sept. 1, 1957 in Sycamore. Gary was a veteran of the US Army. After the service he worked for over 20 years in the shoe making industry working for both Florsheim and Freeman Shoe Co. in Dixon. Gary then went to work for Imeco in Polo and after 18 years he retired. He was a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Polo. Gary enjoyed sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and was an avid bowler for many years.
Survivors include his wife Nancy; daughters Pam (John) White of Polo, Stephanie (Roger) Wagner of Franklin Grove, Susan (August) Pehlke of Dixon and Siri Pardo of Dekalb; sons Keith Parke of Polo, Howard (Kaye) Parke of Hardeeville, SC and Gregory Parke of Fort Myers, FL; 17 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren
He was preceded in death by a sister Ruth Parke; 3 brothers Richard, Kenneth and Dale; grandson Jeremiah Parke.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon.
Condolences may also be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
