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
Condolences(6)
Mick Anderson
Wahoo, NE Monday, May 8, 2023 A fellow Wayne Stater; a basketball teammate; a roommate; and most importantly, a friend. Joel was an excellent teacher of the game of basketball. I learned so much from Joel at Midland's basketball camps. Joel could explain the fundamentals of the game so well. Simple; thorough; analytical and always willing to share ideas and opinions. I will miss you my friend. RIP! Our reunions will not be the same but we will have some Joel stories to laugh about.Ron Hintz
Kempner, TX Sunday, May 7, 2023 I first met Joel nearly 60 years ago when we were Wildcats at WSC....We remained connected through the past 40 years of frequent team reunions. Back in the 60's, Joel was the original 'free spirit' on the team. Smart, articulate, thoughtful and with the most wonderful sense of humor, and through all the decades he always maintained that same free spirit, as well as being the consummate class act and a true gentleman. It has been heartbreaking the past recent years watching Joel's health decline but he retained his eternal optimism until he finally decided to call it a day. Rest in peace, my friend, and just know you touched so many lives on your journey. When you see Billy and Marc and Milt tell them we'll all see you guys soon and the reunions will begin again, in an even better location. My deepest and prayerful condolences to Kathy, Alisha and Ehren. God Bless you all.Tom Heiser
LINCOLN, NE Wednesday, May 3, 2023 I met and subsequently Admired Joel when he came to my school in nColumbus to assist Jack Johnson in instructing basketball. He was a great coach and a great guy! Heart felt condolences to his family.Max Martin Jr
Montgomery, TX Wednesday, May 3, 2023 Kathi and family….Joel was a longtime friend. I remember his competitive spirit whether on the course or the BB court. While our adult lives separated, I always enjoyed our reunions at the Boys State BB tournaments and our Pawnee City gatherings. His upbeat friendly personality was his trademark. He will certainly be missed. Blessings and God’s peace to you all.Carol Smith
OMAHA, NE Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Cathy and Family,Deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers of Comfort! Carol Smith
Dave and Gloria Lamm
Arlington, NE Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Dear Kathi and family:We are so very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed visiting with Joel during the exercise class at the YMCA and missed seeing our Y friends due to Covid. We know he will be missed by his family and friends.
If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.
Dave & Gloria