Joel Robert Parks
August 8, 1947 - April 28, 2023
Joel Robert Parks, age 75, of Fremont
Died Sunday, April 28, 2023 at Pathfinder Place in Fremont
following complications from Parkinson's disease.
Joel was born August 8, 1947 to LaVern and Luella 'Hoffman' Parks in Pawnee City, Nebraska. He grew up on farms in the Pawnee City area and graduated from Pawnee City High School in 1965. He attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in 1969. Joel played on the Wildcat basketball team and was part of the 1967-1968 and 1968-1969 teams that were later inducted into the Wildcat Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1980, he earned a Master's in Education from Wayne State.
He began his teaching and coaching career in Laurel, Nebraska, where he taught elementary P.E. as well as chemistry while coaching basketball and golf for thirteen years, followed by a year at Columbus Lakeview as Athletic Director while teaching and coaching basketball and golf. In 1983, Joel returned to the classroom full time and coached basketball and golf at Fremont Senior High for 19 years. After his retirement in 2002, Joel assisted Rich McGill with the Midland University basketball program for 9 years.
Joel enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He followed the activities of his children, loved the Thursday night poker games and playing rounds and rounds of golf.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dick and sister Margene, brother-in-law Clayton, sister-in-law Margie and nephew Jeff. He is survived by his wife Kathi, daughter Alisha of Chicago, son Ehren and grandson Hunter of Fremont, former teammates and many other relatives and friends.
Celebrations of Joel's life will be held in Fremont on July 1, 2023 at the Fremont Golf Club from 2pm to 5pm and in Pawnee City on June 30, 2023 at the Schilling Bridge Winery from 3pm to 7pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Parkinson's research at the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont in charge of local arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Obituary Provided By:
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE 68025
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