Donald Parkhurst

Donald L. Parkhurst age 83 died on April 20th 2018 at Dove Healthcare West-Reflections Unit following a struggle with many health issues. Don was born October 2nd, 1934 at home to Loren and Myrtle (McMahan) Parkhurst in rural Drammen Township. He was baptized and confirmed at Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church. Don attended Sheldon Valley Grade School and graduated from Mondovi High School in 1952. He spent two years in the U.S. Army before marrying Jean M. Moen of Eleva in 1957. To this marriage two daughters were born; Ann in 1961 and Amy in 1965.
Don attended Eau Claire Technical School where he studied accounting. He worked as a bookkeeper and assistant manager and in 1963 took a position with Fehr Concrete Products as a sales representative. In 1968 Don joined the Servicemaster Company in the healthcare division. As he advanced in the organization his responsibilities required him to relocate his family to many states from Pennsylvania to Nebraska and overseas to England. Don retired in 1992 after serving three years as president and C.O.O of Merry Maids International, a Servicemaster Company. Don and his family enjoyed the opportunities to live and work in many locations and businesses. He saw these as opportunities as a way to serve God and people he was responsible for. He retired back to Eau Claire where his career began and where many of his relatives reside.
Don was active in his community, serving on the Grace Lutheran Foundation Board for two years as president and “SCORE” Counselor to America’s Small Business for 21 years including two years as chair. He served on the Alzheimer’s Board for several years as this cause was very important to him.
The Parkhurst family belonged to many church congregations because of various transfers over the years and Don was active in church leadership in all; serving as Council President in many of them. He was an active member of Saving Grace Lutheran and served on the Personnel Committee, and several men’s groups.
Don had a passion for the game of golf and spent many days of his retirement on the course, especially Hickory Hills. He also looked forward to yearly fishing trips to Canada with the Parkhurst clan. Don was inducted into the Mondovi High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2010. He was a loving and kind husband, father, and grandfather. Many came to him for advice as he was a patient and understanding listener. He treated everyone with respect and caring.
Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean, daughter Amy Rickett, son-in-law Paul French, grandson Donnie (Kaitlynd) French, granddaughter Anna French, twin sister Donna (Maurice) Eide, brother LaMoine (Joanne), brother Roger, sister-in-law Donna Parkhurst, nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Preceding Don in death were his daughter Ann (1985), parents Loren and Myrtle, brother Milford, sisters-in-law Shari and Janet Parkhurst, nephews Robert Parkhurst and B.J. Gillies, and many other loving family members and friends.
Thank you to Mayo Hospital- 3rd and 4th floor, Dove South, the Reflections Unit at Dove West, and Mayo Hospice for Don’s wonderful care. Also, to doctor Randall Casper for his care and compassion.
Services will be held at Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 2124 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire on Friday April 27th 2018 at 11:00am with Pastor David Irgens officiating. Friends may call from 9:30am until the time of services. Burial will be held at Eleva Cemetery following the luncheon.
Memorials can be directed to Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 2124 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire, WI 54701 or a charity of your choice.