Ellen Parker Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ellen V. Parker, age 94, of Alta, Iowa died July 12, 2022 at her home in Alta. Memorial services will be held at a later date at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to to Trinity Lutheran Church PO Box 5, Alta, Iowa 51002; Storm Lake Animal Rescue 1710 North Lake Avenue, Storm Lake, IA 50588; or Toys for Tots, Marine Corp by visiting https://www.toysfortots.org/donate/forms/tribute/Default.aspx Ellen Virginia (Kjolhede) Parker was born on December 12, 1927 at home in Newell, Iowa. She grew up in Newell until 1939 when the family moved to Rembrandt. They moved again in 1941 to Alta where she graduated from high school in 1945. Ellen was married to Van Parker on June 1, 1947 at Trinity Lutheran Church. They brought five children into this world: Rick V (Rick), Tommy D (Tom), Ellen Kathleen (Kathy), Susan Ann and Kris Raymond. They farmed just south of Alta from 1947 to 1966 when the family moved to Alta. Ellen worked at Christian’s Nursing Home for many years, HyVee in the bakery, Hygrade Packing plant, and Wilson’s in Cherokee. Ellen always enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, Scrabble, baking, gardening, working with flowers, canning, and freezing food. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with macular degeneration when she was 70. This limited her ability to see, so she spent her time baking and playing card games on her computer during the winter months. When spring finally arrived each year, she worked outside with her flowers and large garden. She gave her harvest to family, friends and the Lord’s Table in Alta. For Christmas every year she baked dozens and dozens of cookies and gifted them to her family and friends. Ellen had a love for animals, especially dogs. Missy and then Happy kept her company in her later years. She was so worried about what would happen to Happy when she was gone that it is possible her “will to live” for the dog prolonged her life. Mom is at peace knowing that Happy is going to stay in the family. Happy is with Kristin and BJ’s family and doing very well! Mom also fed the stray cats in the neighborhood. She was worried they would starve. Those strays led a good life because of her. Ellen is survived by her son: Rick (Luann) Parker of Slayton, Minnesota; daughter-in-law: Marilyn Parker of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; daughters: Kathy (Loren) Movall of Storm Lake, Iowa; Susan Gaes (Jeff Megrath) of Aurelia, Iowa; son: Kris (Tami) Parker of Persia, Iowa; fifteen grandchildren: Shane Gaes; Shannon Gaes; Steve Wilbur; Chad Parker; Mike Wilbur; Troy Gaes; Keith Gaes; Jason Parker; Tom Parker; Jaime Dublin; Jessica Roberts; Krista Keller; Holly Parker; Kristin Pauley; step-grandchildren: Arielle Megrath; Alan (Jennifer) Movall; Jackie (Cory) Schubert; Mark (Heidi) Movall; Molly (Dan) Jansen; 31 great-grandchildren; nine step great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sister: Lonnie Gaffey; and many nieces and nephews. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents: Chris and Esther Kjolhede; husband: Van Dean; son: Tommy D; great-grandson: Taylor Thomas Gaes; siblings: Clifford Kjolhede; Arnold and Marian Kjolhede; Cyril and Bettie Kjolhede; Ronald and Glenda Kjolhede; Agnes and Ivan Lathrum; Doris and Dean Orcutt; Lillian and Skelly Rystad; and Jim Gaffey.

Ellen Parker

December 12, 1927 - July 12, 2022