Delores Alberta Parr "Dee"

Delores Alberta “Dee” Parr, 80, of 520 South Logan Street, Mason City, passed away at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Maple Ridge Care Centre in Lincoln, Illinois after loosing her battle with congestive heart failure. Delores was born the eldest child of Walter Dietrich “Pop” and Helen Seefeldt Warren on July 13, 1927 in Lincoln. She attended Hartsburg High School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945. She married Charles Earl Parr on July 28, 1945 in New Holland. He died on November 5, 2002 in Springfield. Dee is survived by a daughter and four sons: Debra Chardel (Richard) Skelton of Lincoln, Larry Alan (Jane) Parr, Neil Warren (Karen) Parr, Roger Earl (Ann Marie) Parr, and John Lynn (Rochelle) Parr all of Mason City. She has 12 grandchildren: Joy Annette (Tony) Drach, Colleen Renee (Jolyon) Dekker, Kari Ann Dennison, Neil Bret (Kirsten) Parr, Cindi Sue (Dan) Wolfe, Jennifer Marie (Fred) Derner, Lucas Earl (Heidi) Parr, Joseph Douglas (Sabrina) Parr, Rickey Allen (Rhonda) Skelton, Ronald Lee (Kim) Skelton, Stephanie Lynnette (Doug) Heyen, and Scott Jonathan Parr. Fifteen great-grandchildren also survive: Tyler Allen Drach, Ellorie Grace Drach, Austin Lane Dennison, Audrey Nicole Dennison, Charles Garret Parr, Eli Augustus Parr, Carlee Sue Wolfe, Katlyn Ann Parr, Allan Huff, Joseph Charles Parr, Chase A. Parr, Lesley Nicole Skelton, Lindsey Ann Skelton, Tyler Matthew Skelton, and Shelby Lynne Westerfeld. One great grandson, Joseph Douglas Parr Jr., preceded her in death. Dee is also survived by a brother James R. (Kathleen) Warren of Springfield, a sister Phyllis Turner of Longwood, FL, an aunt Fernola Gamble of Lincoln, along with many nieces and nephews. Dee and Charlie spent all of their married life crop farming and raising livestock in the Mason City and New Holland areas. They were inducted into the Illinois Purebred Swine Industry Hall of Fame in 1998. She belonged to the Mason City United Methodist Church. Starting in 1994 they were fortunate enough to escape the cold Illinois weather by spending the winter months in Lakeland, Florida where Dee was a member of the Women of the Moose. Dee also worked away from the farm for a few periods of her married life. She was manager of the lunch counter when the Woolworth store opened in Lincoln. She worked in laundry at the Lincoln Developmental Center. Her love of animals and farm experience led her to working in the veterinarian office of Dr. Wayne Lutz at Greenhaven Animal Clinic in San Jose. And she ended her career at the state of Illinois, secretary of state’s office. Dee was very active in the 4-H program and encouraged her children’s participation in 4-H and FFA. Their children started showing at their first fair in 1956 and her great grandchildren continue that tradition through today. She earned many awards during the 38 plus years she was a 4-H leader or assistant. She credits that experience for her having nearly 300 youngsters who affectionately called her “Grandma Dee”. Dee was an excellent seamstress, a skill she learned from her Grandma Lizzie Warren. She was creative and taught many youngsters the art of sewing and won many awards for the items she created. She also loved to cook and bake, as well as tend to a large flower and vegetable garden. Even in her later years as a senior exhibitor at the fairs she took first place in baking powder biscuits, pie crusts, cakes, African violets, and gladioli. Visitation for Delores A. “Dee” Parr will be Friday, July 11 from 5-8 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home, 603 East Chestnut Street in Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 at Mason City United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Richmond Grove cemetery near New Holland with Stephen King and Nash Shawgo officiating. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Mason City.

Delores Alberta Parr "Dee"

July 13, 1927 - July 9, 2008

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services