Mary Kathleen Parker

Benton, Wisconsin Mary Kathleen Parker, 77, of Benton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 30, 2012 in her home surrounded by her family and care providers. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 3, 2012, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Benton with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Thursday and from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick's Church in Benton. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Benton is in charge of arrangements. She was born on November 21, 1934, in Benton, Wisconsin, the daughter of Joseph and Veronica (Hoppenjan) Baxter. Kathleen graduated from Benton High School in 1952. She married Merle Parker on August 29, 1953, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 1970. Together they had three children. Kathleen worked for the Hartzell's grocery store for nearly 25 years. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Benton. Kathleen was truly a special person who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed baking, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, quilting and was a beautiful seamstress. She was admired by the remarkable way in which she faced the challenges of her 25 year battle with multiple sclerosis. She is survived by her three children, Jim (Marsha) Parker, of McFarland, WI; Robert Parker, of Portland, OR, and Karen (Richard) Dixon, of McFarland, WI; as well as her six grandchildren, Brad, Chris, Ryan, Brooke, Melissa and Aaron; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Ruth Goffinet, and a brother, Mick (Mary Jane) Baxter, both of Benton; and her many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Donnie Goffinet. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are greatly appreciated. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the Hospice staff and the many kind and caring home health care providers for their wonderful care and support.