Parker, Earnest

Earnest Parker, 88, of Monticello, died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, at his home following a sudden illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church, Monticello with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery, with military honors. The Rev. Al Polito will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello. Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Surviving are two daughters, Debbie (Alan) Arduser and Chris (Randy) VanAmberg; a daughter-in-law, Linda Parker, all of Monticello; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harold Parker of Eugene, Ore., and Robert Parker, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and two sisters, Francis Stratmayer and Alice Larson, both of Sioux Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; a son, Craig; two granddaughters; and a brother, Gus.

Earnest E. Parker was born March 18, 1922, at Stephenville, Mo. He was the son of William and Margaret Chase Parker. He attended the rural schools near his home. Ernie served as a paratrooper in the United States Army during World War II. Earnest married Mary Hearn on July 1, 1945, at St. Lukes Methodist Parsonage in Monticello. The couple lived in Lawton, Okla., while Earnest was in service. Following his military service, Earnest worked as a farm hand near Vinton, Iowa, and later near Center Junction before moving to Monticello. In 1966, he started working for Cuckler Buildings and was employed there until he retired in 1984. Mary preceded him in death on June 7, 1997.

Ernie was avid Cubs fan and enjoyed NASCAR. In retirement Ernie and Mary often traveled to many blue grass festivals and enjoyed camping as well.