Larry Duane Parker, 74, of Shell Lake, Wi passed peacefully at home the morning of March 23, 2022.

He was born January 27, 1948 in Shell Lake, WI to Glen and Ruth (Cowgill) Parker.

Larry graduated from Shell Lake High School in 1966 and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1967, where he served in Vietnam. Larry was awarded many medals of honor including three Purple Hearts.

Larry married his high school sweetheart Lynda Hillman, on 9/21/1968, together they raised three boys. After returning home from Vietnam, they owned and managed the Playground Resort and Motel. Larry later remodeled the motel into his home and lived there with his beloved cats until he passed.

The Shell Lake Parker family was a big one-Larry was raised with 12 siblings, this being the reason he always had many stories to tell and something to talk about!

Deer hunting and fishing traditions with his brother’s, brothers-in-laws. nephews, cousins, sons and friends is what he really looked forward to each season.

Larry enjoyed playing softball, bowling and golfing. He liked all sports and was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. He also loved spending time with his grandkids & great grandkids and was so very proud of each and every one of them.

He was a proud Marine, a loving Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa. A caring brother, and wonderful Father -n- Law.

if you were looking for a good visit, cold beer, some advice, or if you just needed a hug, you could always find it with Larry - either on his dock or his deck, because surely he would be there barefoot soaking up the sunshine and reading a book and his “by the way” stories and friendship would continue by the bonfire until early morning light.

In most recent years Larry found a very special friend in Leslie, and he had big plans for them to travel when she retired, but we all knew his crush was for Martina McBride. His other “sweet” love were chocolate, and lemon meringue pie!

Larry is survived by his three sons: Larry (Cindee) Parker of Chetek, Lance (Ericka) Parker of Shell Lake and Luke Parker (Amber) of Elk Mound; Five grandchildren: Amanda, Cassidy, Krista, Rypp, and Ryggz; four bonus grandchildren: Beau, Lainy, Chane and Tucker; and five great grandchildren: Brantley, Leyden, Easten, Brynlee and Braeden; three brothers: Gene (Polly) Parker of Shell Lake and Tom (Linda) Parker of Spooner, Brad (Barb) Morse of Stevens Point, Wi.

Three sisters: Carole Lindemann of Shell Lake, Donna Nelson(Steve) of Dallas, Linda Brown (Dick) of Shawano; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and his best friend Leslie Jaastad of Chetek.

His life and military service will be honored at The Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin on April 22nd at 12:00 PM.

A celebration of life will be held at the Shell Lake Community Center on Saturday July 2nd, 2022 from 2-6 p.m.

“Some people wonder all their lives if they’ve made a difference in the world. Marines don’t have that problem “

Skinner Funeral Home of Shell Lake is serving the family.

Last Update: Mar 30, 2022 6:01 pm CDT