David Alonzo Jay Parker

David Parker, 73, of Atwater, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, at Olivia Health Care Center.

His memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 8, at the Willmar United Methodist Church. A recording of the service can be viewed below.  Visitation will be 1:00–3:00 p.m. Sunday, September 7, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Willmar United Methodist Church, Family Promise of Kandiyohi County, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

David Alonzo Jay Parker was born December 13, 1951, in Neenah, Wisconsin, the son of Kenneth and Marion (Nichols) Parker. In 1952, his family moved to Minneapolis, where Dave began school, proudly walking six blocks on his own at age four. In 1962, they moved to Willmar, where he spent his childhood playing rec baseball, neighborhood hockey, and participating in high school wrestling. He graduated from Willmar High School in 1969, then attended Willmar Community College and the University of Minnesota, where he earned a B.S. in accounting. Following graduation, Dave returned to Willmar and began his career as a Certified Public Accountant at Latham & Parker, where he worked faithfully until his health led to retirement earlier this year.

On December 22, 1973, Dave was united in marriage to Janet Forsberg at Concordia Lutheran Church in Eveleth. They made their home in Willmar, where they raised two children, Mariah and Kevin. In more recent years, Dave and Janet moved to their home on Lake Elizabeth near Atwater.

Dave was deeply committed to his faith and community. A longtime member of the Willmar United Methodist Church, he served in countless ways: sound and video technician, Sunday School teacher, administrative board member, treasurer, Turkey Dinner chairman, Men’s Fellowship member, and participant in the live Nativity and Last Supper. With his keen eye for detail, he also proofread church bulletins and newsletters. Dave gave generously of his time to Boy Scout Troop 224, serving as treasurer for many years, and was active in the Willmar Jaycees, holding numerous leadership roles, including national treasurer.  His heart for service extended to Family Promise of Kandiyohi County, where he played a vital role as both treasurer and chairman of the board.

In his free time, Dave enjoyed hiking and backpacking with Janet in earlier years. More recently, he found joy in biking, traveling, and solving puzzles—especially Sudoku.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; his son, Kevin (Kelly) Parker of Perley, MN; grandson, Logan Ackerman; brother, Paul (Carol) Parker; and sister, Becky Parker. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Mariah Ackerman, in 2011; and his son-in-law, Peter “Brad” Ackerman, in 2021.

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