Charles (Chuck) Willard Parr
Charles (Chuck) Willard Parr, 81, of Adams, Wisconsin passed away peacefully due to complications of Alzheimers on Monday, December 14, 2020 at Lakeshore Manor in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. His children and wife were with him.
Charles was born December 23, 1938, to Willard and Elaine (Ausland) Parr. He grew up in Friendship, Wisconsin, graduating from Adams-Friendship High School in 1957, where he also met the woman who would become his life-long love, Alice Ann Wagner. The two shared the stage as Homecoming king and queen, a romance that would last more than 60 years and inspire awe in everyone who saw the two of them together.
Charles attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he played basketball and later returned to Adams to work for Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative as a lineman, a profession that became a true passion. On December 30, 1960, he and Alice married, a partnership that would bring the couple five children who were the light of his life. His career eventually took him around the state as an electrical safety instructor for the Wisconsin Electric Cooperatives and then Dairyland Electric Cooperative.
To know Charles was to love him, his smiles, hugs and handshakes overflowing with warmth. His sense of humor (he was known as Chuckles to some), dedication to his family, devotion to his community, and zest for life showed in even the smallest acts. His positive energy and ability to talk to anyone was infectious. No matter where he went, he seemed to always run into someone he knew or who knew him. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, keeping a meticulous yard, traveling, helping on the family farm, coaching, refereeing, and watching sports. Though an enthusiastic Packers, Brewers and Badgers fan, he most enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s events; his pride in his family emanated from him.
Chuck loved his hometown, and it showed. Community involvement was a passion throughout life, and especially in retirement. Friday nights you could find him checking coats at basketball games or cheering on the football team; Saturday mornings he was working a Pancake or Dairy Breakfast or volunteering at a Brat Fry for the Education Foundation. He would help light up the town for the Holidays with the Tree Lighting at the courthouse and high school, and for years he volunteered at many organizations. On Sundays you would find him helping with mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church as a reader or usher. He gave of himself and his time freely, volunteering for meal distribution and taking it upon himself to help those in need. Chuck was a member of many local clubs and organizations; the Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, A-F Education Foundation, A-F school board, A-F Booster Club, Adams County Triathlon Committee.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Parr and Elaine Ausland; stepmother Belva Parr; sister Delores Elkington; half-brother John Parr; brothers-in-law Vern Golz, Jack Davis, Robert Wagner, and Tom Elkington; special nephew Richard Davis and grandchild Baby Van Zee.
Charles leaves behind his wife Alice and their loving family who will miss him dearly, including sons Scott (Deborah) Parr and Michael (Anne) Parr; daughters Gwen Parr, Gail (Scott) Van Zee, and Tanya (Jamie) Setzke; eleven grandchildren whom he adored: Rachel, Charles, Elizabeth, Ryan, Mason, Madeleine, Alexandra, Ethan, Addison, Macenzi, and Holden; and three great-grandchildren, Ryder, Everett, and Benson. He also loved his ten granddogs.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19th, 2021 at the Moundview Golf Course.
Memorials for Chuck may be directed to the Charles and Alice Parr Foundation. The foundation will make contributions in his honor to community organizations such as the Education Foundation, A-F Scholarship Fund, St. Joseph Catholic Church, local food banks, Adams County Humane Society and Parks Department 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 of husband, dad, grandpa, and Bumpa.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
So sorry to for the loss of such a fine man. He was such a pillar in our community. He will always be remembered as such. Our community was so very lucky to have Chuck. His family can be very proud. My daughters always had great respect for him. Sending hugs to family and always remember what a great man he was.
Love ❤️ prayers and peace to all the Parr family. Keeping Chuck and all of you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Jon & Maureen Gessner
Our prayers are with you and your family. God bless Chuck with eternal rest in Christ.
Chuck was a friend since our AF highschool days. Always will remember the years of effort he put in to make the Performing Arts Center a reality. He will be sorely missed in our community.
My sincere sympathy to the family. Chuck made the community a greater place to live. No matter your mood, one look at Chuck’s brightly lit smile made that mood change within seconds. God Bless.
Dear Alice & Family:
My deepest condolences to all of you. Chuck’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for “all things Adams-Friendship” was evident in all that did! His leadership helped to bring about the Fine Arts Center and for that, we are all thankful. Peace and loving memories of the wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and community leader you so dearly mourn.
Michael, Alice, and Family,
I remember Chuck as Michael’s dad way back in high school. I admired him then when seeing him interact with Michael and his other children. He always seemed so involved in their lives and so supportive. He was a true role model for all the town’s kids. As an adult I have had the pleasure to get to know him better while serving on the A-F Educational Foundation. When he believed in something, he was truly “all in”. Our community has been blessed to have a man like him advocate for making it a better place for all. Our thoughts are with you and your family as you celebrate his life and mourn your loss. He will be missed.
Dear Alice and family,
We were saddened to hear of Chuck’s
passing. He was proud of his community and worked tirelessly to make it better. It was a pleasure to have known him. He was one of A-F’s best. Sorry we cannot be with you to celebrate his life. May your faith and memories sustain you through this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace and Perpetual Light Shine Upon him.
Although I didn’t know Charles, I enjoy learning about his life, his family, and all the wonderful acts of kindness he showed with giving so much to his community. My deepest condolences to the Parr Family.
So sorry for your loss, Chuck was always so polite.
Alice and family
So sorry to hear of Chucks passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
It’s been many years since we lived and taught in Adams Friendship, but Chuck is one of the people we would never forget. Such a fine man! Our sincere sympathies to Alice and family.
So very sad to hear about the loss of our
dear friend of so many year. Brings back so many memories of years gone by. God be with this wonderful family and Alice. The feelings and love that we have for those we care the most for is always with us. Rest in Peace.
Chuck was always involved in the community; such a friendly and positive person. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Gail, Holden, and family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of grief. May you find some comfort in the fond memories you have.
We are so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. So glad to say we knew him. Peace to you all.
Tom and Kris Bougie
Dearest Alice and family,
So very sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. He was an asset to our community and I know he will be missed. We had many fun times throughout the years together at parties, basketball & football games. Working together at the concession stand for the Booster Club. He was a great guy and a good friend.
You all have my deepest sympathy
Sincerely,
Pat
Alice and Family,
So saddened to hear of Chuck’s passing. He will be deeply missed by the community. Keep his smile and love for his family close.
Alice and family I am so sorry for your loss. Chuck was a wonderful caring man. He was a true example of love, community and selflessness. You were the best neighbors anyone could ask for. I will never forget the love and care you showed my family when my mother died. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Chuck was a kind and caring man who was so proud of our community. He strived to make it a better place through his volunteer work. I enjoyed working with him on various occasions. Our deepest condolences to Alice and family.
Dear Parr Family,
We are remembering Chuck’s wonderful and gentle soul. May memories help ease your sorrow through this difficult time.
Thinking of you and your family, Gail! Your dad sounds like he did so many wonderful things, hold those special memories close and hug those that you can during this difficult time.
Gail, your dad sounds like an amazing guy! Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Charles will be sadly missed, he made Adams County a better place to live. Your family’s in our thoughts & prayers.
Gail- your dad sounds like an amazing man!!! I am so sorry and am praying for peace during this tough time!
I’m so sorry for your loss Gail and the rest of the Parr family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like an amazing man to call Dad. Praying for you and your family Gail.
We send our condolences. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to Alice and the entire family. Chuck was such a wonderful man. He will be missed by so many.
We are so sorry for the loss of your Father Gail. May he rest in peace.
I’m so sorry for your loss!! Chuck was a wonderful man, and example to all of us! I knew him through school events, and working closely with him on the Triathlon Committee. He was accepting, kind and fun to be with! He will truly be missed!!
RIP, Chuck! You will be missed by many, but remembered by all who knew you. There aren’t many who are as revered as you were in the Adams-Friendship community. I was always more than proud to introduce you as my cousin. My thoughts & prayers go out to Alice & your family, as they grieve your passing.
Chuck was a great neighbor!!
My Thoughts and prayers are with
The Parr Family.
Alice and family, sincere sympathy to all of you. Chuck will be missed by many in the community, I enjoyed working with him on the Educational Foundation. RIP
Dear Alice & family : Chuck & I went through our whole school years together. He was a fantastic person and I have many fond memories of him. A wonderful tribute in his obituary about him. He always had a smile and a handshake for everyone. We are so sorry for your loss and sending our deepest sympathy. Rest in peace my friend.
Our condolences, it was an honor to know him and we should all aspire to live our life more like he did. He will be missed by everyone in our community.
Heartbreaking to hear this..hugs & prayers to all.
Sending my love and condolences to the whole family. Uncle Chuck will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by many. Praying for peace and good health for everyone as they grieve.
Deepest Condolences
Alice and family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs sent to all during this difficult time. RIP Chuck.
Chuck was always smiling and so pleasant to be around. Our love goes out to our cousins .He will missed by so many, we pray for Alice and family .
My Condolences to the Parr Family! I have Always enjoyed his love for basketball and community!
R.I.P.
Our deepest sympathy to the Parr family. We have so many wonderful memories of our times spent together through the years. Rest in peace, Chuck.
RIP Charles! He was always suck a nice guy to everyone. Prayers and thoughts to Alice and all the family!!
Alice & family – we are so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of him cheering us all at swim meets throughout the years. He always had a smile, even if we hadn’t been back to Adams in a while. Deepest sympathies to you all.
Floyd never did figure out how we were cousins so we settled to be friends, Unfortunately time and circumstance dont always allow one the luxury to see friends often but we all looked forward to reunions, I will always treasure the time a group went to John Holmes funeral with Chuck and Alice, It was heart breaking as johnny was our best friend but a good road trip with a lot of love and tears. A lot of love tears and prayers to Chucks wonderful family and friends who will miss him. RIP cuz
Sorry to hear of your loss, he will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to the family. Chuck will be missed by many in our community.
Chuck was a wonderful and inspiring man. I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences.
What a fine man. It was an honor to work with him on projects for the A-F Education Foundation. A kind, gentle soul. He will be missed. So very sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He is a great man. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers for all the Parr family.
A wonderful man who was such an important part of our community. I have missed seeing him and Alice. You are all in my thoughts in prayers.
Our condolences to the family. He was a great guy.
To the Parr family, He was a wonderful man, he will be greatly missed by many, the community lost a great asset. My heart goes out to all of you.
Obituary spot on. I met Chuck in 2008. He brought property in front of me. He walked straight up gave me that big smile and firm hand shake. From there on a friendship. Outstanding person and will be missed greatly. My heart ❤ goes out to his family. Chuck,rest in peace
Parr family I am deeply sorry for your loss. Although I didn’t know him well, he raised amazing children that are a testament to how wonderful he was. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending love to all of you my dear cousins . The love and laughter of our childhoods with all our family and your wonderful dad was so special. Love you all.
My sincere sympathy
Alice so sorry for your loss. Chuck was a great guy and will be missed by alot of people. R.I.P
Our condolences to the entire family
So very sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. For many years he was a such vital and strong community advocate and leader. He will be missed.
So sorry on your loss
Chuck was a great asset to this community. Our sympathy to the family.
Dear Alice and family
Chuck was always such a friendly, kind and thoughtful person. I remember going to basketball games with my Mom, and he always made it a point to acknowledge her! He will be missed in the community as a staple ! Many thoughts and deep condolences!