Theodore E. Parson

Theodore "Ted" Eugene Parson, 85, Cook, formerly of Gheen, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the Cook Nursing Home, with loved ones by his side.
He was born on June 17, 1930 in Virginia, MN, the son of Gust and Augusta "Gustie" (Voigt) Parson. He grew up in Gheen and graduated from Orr high school in 1948.
Ted proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1949 until his honorable discharge in 1953. He served active duty during the Korean War stationed on the USS Hanson destroyer, working as a BT (boiler technician) 3rd class in the engine room. After his tour of duty he served in the Reserves until 1974; where he was BTC (boiler technician chief) petty officer.
Ted married Gladys Loretta Gustafson on September 12, 1953 in Cook. After marriage they lived in Virginia area until 1962, then moved to Coon Rapids where they raised their family. Ted was employed as boiler inspector from 1960 till his retirement in 1985. In 1989 they moved back up north to Cook. Ted worked for AEOA until 1995.
He loved the North Country and the family cabin on Little Johnson Lake, where he entertained many a guest over the years. He was always very open and a sharing with his friends.
Ted was active in The American Legion Post #480 of Orr and the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757 of Cook – both of which he is Past Commander. Ted was proud of the military and to anyone who had served. Being a member of the honor guard
was dear to his heart and was very humbled to present the flag to families at Veteran's funerals. Ted was a very well loved in the community and will be missed by his family and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers: Robert, Jack and James Parson; and his 2 best friends, Bob Moehrle and Bill Johnson.
Ted is survived by his wife Gladys of Virginia; 2 sons, John (Christine) Parson of Hibbing and Christopher (Denise) Parson of Gheen; 1 daughter Debra "Deb" (Lori Gordon) Parson of Gheen; 6 grandchildren, Carl (Rae Ann), Wesley (fiancé, Lindsay Sharrock), Graham (Jessica), Brendan and Kylie Parson and Tyanna (Shawn Ford) Delmedico; a great grandchild, Evelyn, with another expected one; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
If so desired, memorials can be directed to either the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars , P.O. Box 242, or the Orr American Legion, P.O. Box 204, Orr, MN 55771.
SERVICES: Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday (September 11th) at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, where visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Thursday, and will also continue one hour prior to the funeral. Rev. Arthur Dale will be the officiant. The honorary bearers will be Ted's grandchildren. Military honors will be accorded by the combined honor guards of the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757 and the Orr American Legion Post #480. A reception in Ted's honor will follow at the Cook VFW. Interment will follow in the Willow Valley Township Cemetery. To sign the online guest book, or to send a condolence to the family, go to: www.mlakerfuneralhome.com