Parker, Norm

NORM PARKER

Iowa City

Norm Parker of Iowa City, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

He was 72. Norm was born Oct. 9, 1941, in Detroit, Mich., to George E. and Margery F. (Stone) Parker. Norm coached college football for 48 years, retiring after the 2011 season. Norm served as the University of Iowa's defensive coordinator from 1999 through 2011. The Hawkeyes won Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2004, being bowl eligible in 11 straight seasons.

Norm coached at Michigan State University from 1983 through 1994, winning Big Ten titles in 1987 and 1990, as well as the 1988 Rose Bowl.

He also coached at Vanderbilt, East Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota, Wake Forest and Eastern Michigan. Norm played football and graduated from Eastern Michigan, where he was a member of the University's Sports Hall of Fame.

Following the 2011 season, Parker was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.

Coach Parker was fortunate to spend 48 years doing something he truly loved. His memory will by cherished by the many coaches, players and support staff he worked with.

When not coaching, Norm enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren (Tyler, Alyssa, Colton, Roxie, Bridgette and Jasmine) at his cottage in northern Michigan. He will be

greatly missed.

In 1966, Norm married Ginger Hunter. She preceded him in death in 1980. In 1981, Norm married Linda Hunter.

Norm is survived by Linda; as well as his son, Jim (Denise) of Bloomfield, Mich.; daughter, Suzy Parker of Nashville, Tenn.; daughter, Michelle Hoey of Pickford, Mich.; daughter, Joyce (Rob) Anderson of Drummond Island, Mich.; and his brother, Bill Parker of Hamburg Township, Mich.

Norm was preceded in death by his very special and dear son, Jeff Parker; and his brother, Richard Parker.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, Mich., with the Rev. Dr. William Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea, Mich. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

A memorial service will be held in Iowa City at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics or may be directed to The Norm Parker Athletic Scholarship Fund, c/o The University of Iowa Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550.