Arthur Franklin Parker

Arthur F. Parker, Jr. of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away on October 6, 2020, just 11 days after his beloved wife, Helen Winkler Parker left this earth. Arthur or Art as he was called by his many family members and friends, was 91 years old. He missed Helen and found it hard to be without his true love and best friend. They will now be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary together in heaven. Arthur or “Art” was born on December 9, 1928 in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania to Arthur F. Parker, Sr. and Janetta V. Wilson Parker. His parents moved his older sisters Dotty Ann (Parker) Lapp (John Lapp) and Janetta (Parker) Weid (Walter “Red” Weid) and him to Ann Arbor when Art was just 6 months old. His brothers, Richard Parker (Sandie (Hudo) Parker) and Robert “Bobby” Parker (Jane Fingerle Marron) came along in the years that followed. Art attended the then Tappan Elementary School, Eberbach Elementary School, the “old” Tappan Junior High School and Ann Arbor High School. He took time off of high school to enlist in The United States Coast Guard from January 1946 to April 30, 1947 with an Honorable Discharge. He was stationed off the Coast of Alaska on a “buoy tender” that also watched for mine-fields planted during WWII. While in the service, Helen wrote him a letter and when he returned, their forever relationship began. Art and Helen were married on October 14, 1950 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. Art and Helen were blessed with three daughters: Lynn (Kevin Hay), Nancy (David Sager) and Sallie. They were also blessed with four granddaughters Lauren, Jessica and Natalie Lakin and Madison Sager. Art deeply loved his family and is a proud member of the Scottish Clan Gunn. Art made many, many friends in his 91 years in Ann Arbor. He loved Michigan Football and spent over 60 years working in the University of Michigan Press Box, traveling to most away games with his friends and wife. He was inducted into the Media Hall of Fame and his portrait can be seen on display in the Michigan Football Press Box. Art’s working career was in the field of Personnel Management where he held positions with Argus Camera, Thetford Engineering, and Wolverine Sports where he was promoted to Vice President of Operations and held membership on the Board of Directors. Art played hockey until he was 83 years old and helped to establish the Ann Arbor “Oldtimers” Hockey league which continues to this day. Art and Helen loved life and their experiences showed it. They loved to entertain, to travel, to play tennis and to dance. They would often clear the dance floor with people watching in awe of their jitterbug skills. Art loved flying and had a special interest in warplanes. He was a car buff and owned a 1972 Metallic Blue Mustang Convertible, which was his baby. In addition to his wife, Helen, Art was proceeded in death by his mother and father, mother and father-in-law (Mathias and Rosina Winkler) both sisters, brother Bobby, sister-in-law Sandie, nephew Arthur Weid, and Great-Nephews James Marron and Matthew Weid and other aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his 3 daughters, 4 granddaughters, son-in-law, brother Richard, sister-in-law Jane, brother-in-law John Lapp, many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many, many beloved friends of all ages. A Covid-19 informed visitation service will take place at Muehlig’s Funeral Home in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Friday, October 16, 2020 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8 pm. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday October 17, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Washtenong Memorial Park of Ann Arbor. Masks are required. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Arthur F. Parker, Jr. to the American Heart Association. Please sign the guest book and leave a memory at www.muehligannarbor.com.