Funeral services for Eugene T. Parrish of Albert Lea, MN, will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 27, 2012 at the Grace Lutheran Church in albert Lea. Pastor Todd Walsh will officiate. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 until 7 PM at the Bonnerup Funeral Service, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery.
Eugene died Saturday, July 21, 2012 at the Mayo Health System Albert Lea. He was 84 years of age.
Eugene was born August 27, 1927 in Waseca, MN, the son of Eugene J. and Katherine A. (O'Neil) Parrish. He attended country school and Waseca High School. On December 1, 1948 he was united in marriage to Mavis Anna Hanson at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN.
Eugene was raised on a farm in Waseca County and had been employed by the Wilson Company in Albert Lea for 33 years. Gene loved all sports but especially softball and baseball. He played on the Wilson Co. league. Eugene was a member of the Eagles club and his hobbies included woodworking, fishing, playing cards, dancing, dice games and playing yard games with family. He loved spending time with the grandchildren and great grandchildren and family vacations by the lake.
Eugene is survived by his wife Mavis of Albert Lea, MN, children; Charlene Meyer of Camano Is, WA, Clarinda (Walter) Miller of Montgomery, MN, Diane (David) Matthies of New Richland, MN. Grandchildren include; Melissa (Tim) Erickson of Camano Is, WA, Angela Meyer of Kenmore, WA, Wesley (Katie) Miller of Willmar, MN, Brian Miller of Mankato, MN, Holly (Andrew) Matthies Hickey of Manchester, England, Joshua Reed of Fort Erwin, CA, Jennifer Reed of Milford, KS, and Jessica Reed of Milford, KS. There are two great grandchildren; Morgan Erickson and Samantha Miller. Also survived by Brother Lyle (Delores) Parrish, sisters in law Freida Parrish, Catherine (Wayne) Yule, Iris (Joe) Donkers, brothers in law Raymond Hanson and Byron (Janet) Hanson.
Eugene was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Katherine Parrish, In laws Carl and Anna Hanson, Daughter Sharon Reed, grandson Christopher Matthies, brother Randall Parrish, sister Fern Thursdale, brothers in law Gordon Hanson, Dan Thursdale and Jerry Jirele, sisters in law Vivian Hanson and Lavon Hanson, nephews Wayne Thursdale, Jerral Parrish and Russel Yule.