Alice Ann Parr
Alice was born June 3, 1939, to Stanley and Edna Wagner. She grew up in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin, graduating from Adams-Friendship High School in 1957. While in high school, a romance began with Charles Parr that would last more than 60 years and be a loving example for their family and friends. The two were married on December 30, 1960; their partnership would bring the couple five children who were the love of Alice’s life.
Alice graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in Home Economics; she applied her education throughout a diverse career, which included working as a teacher, starting and running a retail clothing store, and holding a number of administrative positions with businesses and organizations in Adams-Friendship. Many people will remember her as the director of the Adams County Chamber of Commerce, a role that brought her great fulfillment and nourished her spirited and active contributions to the community.
All who knew Alice loved her. “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all” was her mantra in life and that caring kindness and her loving ways endeared her to her family, friends, and the entire community. If she knew of a birthday, the celebrant was doted on with a favorite meal or dessert, chocolate sheet cake a specialty. Flower gardens bloomed beneath her nurturing hands, as did her family. She doted on her children and grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy, and made countless memories with them. She loved holiday baking with family and also enjoyed making freezer corn, strawberry jam, and canning pickles. In other free time, she enjoyed playing games, reading, gardening, sewing, and traveling, and felt especially lucky if these were done with her grandchildren. She was thrilled to visit anywhere in Wisconsin or a sunny beach in Florida and enjoyed travel experiences abroad as well.
A devoted and lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Alice made her religion her foundation. Her ancestors were founding members of St. Methodius at Pilot Knob (Town of Lincoln). With Charles by her side, she showed devotion to her hometown through countless volunteer activities. She spent many hours volunteering for the Library Board, Triathlon Committee, A-F Education Foundation, Jaycees, and various activities at area schools. She had a friendly, “Let’s go” attitude until the very end of her life, touching the lives of everyone, including her caregivers at Lakeshore Manor, Home Care Assistance, and St. Croix Hospice.
Alice was preceded in death by her adoring husband Charles; parents, Stanley and Edna Wagner; brothers Robert Wagner and Harvey Wagner; sister in-law Delores Elkington; brothers in-law Vern Golz, Jack Davis, and Tom Elkington; and grandchild Baby Van Zee.
Alice leaves behind her loving family who will miss her dearly, including sons Scott (Deborah) Parr and Michael (Anne) Parr; daughters Gwen Parr, Gail (Scott) Van Zee, and Tanya (Jamie) Setzke; eleven grandchildren whom she adored: Rachel, Charles, Elizabeth, Ryan, Mason, Madeleine, Alexandra, Ethan, Addison, Macenzi, and Holden; and three great-grandchildren, Ryder, Everett, and Benson.
Memorials for Alice may be directed to the Charles and Alice Parr Foundation. The foundation will make contributions in their honor to community organizations such as the Education Foundation, A-F Schools, St. Joseph Catholic Church, local food banks, among others. The foundation will also contribute to Alzheimer’s research and fundraising efforts. Donations can be made to the Foundation account at One Community Bank in Adams, via Venmo at parr.foundation@gmail.com, or mail to 2731 Clairville Road, Oshkosh 54904.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Lakeshore Manor and St. Croix Hospice in Oshkosh for the loving care provided to Alice.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 22, from 10:00-11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with mass to follow. A Celebration Luncheon will be served for all friends and family following the mass at Connell’s Cedar Shack, 2248 Hwy 13 S. Adams. Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
So sorry to hear of your Moms . She was an amazing woman. Judy Kaminski
Alice was such a wonderful lady! She was always kind and helpful. We worked with her many times enjoying the chance to get to know her better. We hope, and pray that all of your wonderful memories will help you get through this time of loss! We will miss her!!
Sincerest sympathy to you all. Alice & Chuck were wonderful, caring people who did such good for our community. I hope we can rise to their examples.
Remember the good times!
So sorry for your loss, sending prayers.
We extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. Mom and Dad were two of the nicest people we ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. They were role models of love and commitment to their community. Peace to the family knowing they are now safe, happy and back together again. God Bless you all!
So sorry for you loss. They were special people and will never be forgotten!
We send our deepest sympathy. The contributions to this community from Alice and Chuck were enormous and will be long remembered.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the family! Chuck and Alice were a special couple and to the community!!! Prayers are with the family!
Dear Scott, Gwen, Michael, Gail & Tonya,
I have so many wonderful memories of your mother from back in the day when we were young mothers & all you kids & mine were young. We spend a lot of quality time over coffee & treats while you kids played. There were good times at Homemakers & picnics & sharing recipes. In later years we saw each other less but we did get together for an occasional dinner & cocktails or a lunch from time to time & it was always great to see her & catch up. My sympathy to all of you & her wonderful grandchildren. My heart is sad because the world is a sadder place without her gentle presence.
Bonnie Manning
Sorry for your loss , Alice was a very nice lady. She always wore a smile and always had a good word for everyone.
We are so sorry for your loss. Peace to you all during this sad time.
On behalf of HCA, I send my deepest condolences to the Alice Parr family.
She was beloved by us all. It was a great privilege to know and care for her. #RIPALICE
So sorry for your loss of Alice…..such a sweet lady. Our hearts go out to Alice’s children and all of her family. Our most sincere condolences. May God Bless your family and bring you comfort during this difficult time. The Gervais Family
Gail – Our deepest sympathies to you, your family, and to all who were touched by your mom. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. It’s truly wonderful that your parents continue to bless so many people through their Foundation. May warm and happy memories, and the support of family and friends, give you abundant peace and strength.
Our condolences to the family.
Adams County will never be the same, their smiling faces, friendliness and dedication will be missed!
Alice and Chuck were such kind and faithful people, individually and together the kind of people that build and nurture a community. My condolences to your whole family on this loss.
So sorry for your loss, please accept our deepest sympathies. Chuck and Alice are together once again. RIP in peace Alice.
Our deepest condolences
Our sincere condolences goes out to the Parr family. Cherish all the good times that you will hold special in your heart & mind.
So sorry for your families loss……what a beautiful couple they will be again
Our deepest sympathies to your family. You are all in our prayers and thoughts especially during this difficult time. Alice was the best neighbor. She touch so many lives and always smiling. Hugs to all of you.
Alice was an amazing, caring, and sweet woman. She was a distant relative (cousin to my grandpa) who I didn’t really get to know until after college when I was a 20 something who ended up elected onto the chamber board.
She and Chuck were dedicated to her community, had a great work ethic and were always willing to lend a hand. It ran in the family as her brother Harvey was so dedicated and amazing too. I will never forget that smile. Your family is in my prayers.
Very sorry to see that your Mom has passed away, she sure was a very nice lady!! Our sincere condolences to all of her family.
My heart goes out to all who knew and loved her.
Our sincere sympathy to the Wagner-Parr family. Bill graduated with Alice & Chuck from high school. My family (Zielinski) knew Alice’s family well, being in the Grand Marsh area. So sorry for your loss. Alice was a great, giving person with a loving smile.
Alice was a very special lady. Our sympathy to you all.
My sincere sympathy to the family. Adams County has lost an Angel and Heaven has gained one. Alice has always been a real supporter of the community and a great example of what we should all try to live up to. Always a smile and positive attitude. Such a wonderful lady.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady. Hold tight to the wonderful memories.
My deepest condolences to the entire Parr and Wagner families. I knew Alice during and after high school. She was always the sweetest, pleasant person. I knew Chuck from
elementary school on. They both gave so much to their community. May God be with you during this difficult time. Hold your memories close.
Thinking of you at this sad time. Our sympathy to all of you. Your Mom was a sweetheart.
I am so sorry to hear this. Alice was one of those ladies I always respected and admired. Rest in peace special lady!
Sincere sympathy to all of your family. BOTH OF YOUR PARENTS WERE TOP NOTCH PEOPLE. We always enjoyed their company & friendship.
So sorry for your loss, Thinking of all of you in these troubling times. My condolences.
Condolences to the all those who’s hearts she has touched. We all have been Blessed to know her.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sorry for your loss. She was a special lady. Always nice and smiling.
My deepest sympathy to your family. Not only is it hard to lose a parent, but just one year after your dad and right at Christmas time seems to make it that much harder. May your faith and love carry you through this tough time. Sandy Gorsuch
Thoughts and prayers for family and friends …. heaven gained another angel. Class of 57 lost another special friend
So sorry for the loss of your Mom….we are thinking of you all at this sad time.
On behalf of Lakeshore we give our sincere condolences. Prayers and thoughts are with each and everyone of you.
So sorry for your loss. She was a great lady.