Joseph “Merle” Parsons Jr.

He was born in Petoskey, Mich., on June 7, 1942, son of the late Joseph Sr. and Betty (Bird) Parsons. Merle graduated from Petoskey High School in 1961. After high school he completed two years at his local college and then transferred to the University of Michigan, where he completed his BA in political science in 1965.

On Jan. 21, 1967, Merle was married to the former Elizabeth “Betty” Gray, just prior to his planned enlistment with the U.S. Air Force on June 14, 1967. Merle served four years in the Air Force as a communications specialist, being honorably discharged on June 11, 1971, at the rank of staff sergeant.

Later that year, following in his mother’s footsteps, Merle managed his first Sears catalog store in Monroe, Wis. In 1974, he was transferred to Iron Mountain to manage that Sears location. When the catalog business was dissolved, he became an owner in the Dealer Store program. Merle retired from Sears in 2008 after 37 years with the company.

Merle was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, serving the parish for over 14 years scheduling liturgical ministries. He also served his community volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul. One of his biggest passions was playing chess, as evidenced by his determination to travel through a snowstorm to Chicago for a simultaneous exhibition. He was one of only two people out of 67 to achieve a draw with grandmaster champion Tigran Petrosian.

His other favorite pastime was cheering on his beloved Packers in full team regalia surrounded by a sea of green and gold. Merle’s analytical and curious mind lent well to his study of history, writing, and his fascination with aviation (EAA) and maps. He was an excellent navigator and would often have “arguments” with his GPS system named “Michelle” during his and Betty’s road trips.

Merle will be deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Betty; daughter, Lori (Adam) of Minneapolis; son, Jeff (Mercia) of Salt Lake City; grandson, Ryan Paul Parsons; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Gray) Purkiss and Caroline (Cloud) Gray; five nephews, Steve (Sherry), Jim, Mike (Dawn), and Marc (Shebbie) Purkiss, and Eric (Gina) Gray; two nieces, Juli (Todd) Zenner and Jill Hutchinson; cousin, Marcy (Herb) Gordon; and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Merle is preceded in death by an infant son, Bryan Richard Parsons.

Father Michael Chenier will be officiating the Funeral Mass on Friday, May 30 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 500 Blaine St.

Burial information will be released once determined on the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home website.

Merle’s family would like to thank the entire staffs of St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center of Green Bay and Marshfield Medical Center – Dickinson for their compassionate care as well as all those involved in planning his U.P. Honor Flight.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your preferred charity.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Joseph “Merle” Parsons Jr. online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.