GREENWOOD
Dean Robert Parke, 89, of Greenwood, Indiana passed away on Wednesday November 17, 2021 at home, surrounded by family.
Dean’s story began on March 13, 1932 in Park River, North Dakota when he was born to Robert and Edna (Baird) Parke. He was the second of their three children, growing up between brothers Harvey and Jim on the family farm. He graduated from Park River High School in 1950 and then continued his studies at the University of North Dakota. He then moved to St. Paul, Minnesota for his first accounting job before enlisting in the United States Air Force for two years. Dean then relocated to Indianapolis, IN where he worked for Eli Lilly.
He married Jacqueline in April 1955 and they had three children (Doug, Sheila, and Diane) together. Tragedy struck his young family when Jacqueline died in June of 1967, leaving Dean a single working father of three. Within a couple of years, however, he met Nancy (Gumm) and remarried in July 1969. The new couple added to their family with the births of Susie and Bob.
Dean continued working as an accountant at Lilly until he retired in 1989 after 33 years and he continued living in the Indianapolis area throughout his retirement. He was able to spend the rest of his life focusing on what mattered most to him, which was his family. He was an avid sports fan, having played football in high school. He was also a tennis and ping pong whiz, playing well into his 80’s. As anyone who stepped onto the court with him or even engaged him in a game of cards knew Dean had a serious competitive streak.
Dean also loved to travel, seeing the world on many memorable vacations. He and Nancy celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a Caribbean cruise in 2019, taking the entire extended family with them. What Dean loved most of all, was spending quality time with his large family. In addition to his first name, he answered to, “Dear,” “Dad,” “Grandpa,” “Papa,” and “Gramps,” and was beloved by all his friends and family who will miss him dearly.
Dean was reunited with family members who awaited him in Heaven including both parents (Robert and Edna), his brothers Harvey (Madonna) Parke and Jim (Monica) Parke, and infant grandson Travis. Loved ones who will miss Dean until they meet again include his wife Nancy; his children Doug (Irma) Parke, Sheila (Gary) Sellers, Diane (Michael) Sermersheim, Susie (Michael) Eason, and Bob (Aubree) Parke; his grandchildren Roger, Lorraine, Michelle, Lindsay, Kevin, Kristin, Danny, Erica, Jacqueline, Aaron, Kamryn, Chase, Liam, and Kynlee; his great-grandchildren Denah, Roman, Sean, Tori, Brielle, Andrew, Jackie, Sienna, and Owen; and cats Rambo and Rocky.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at G. H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home at The Gardens of Olive Branch, 1605 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:00 am at the funeral home.
Dean will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W. 96th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Please share memories, photographs and online condolences with the family at www.ghherrmann.com.
