Obituary: Clifford M. Parke

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In memory of

Clifford M. Parke

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 75

Clifford Merle Parke was born February 26, 1939 to Merle and Olive Parke in Kadoka, South Dakota. He was raised in Kadoka and graduated from Kadoka High School in 1957. He joined the National Guard while still in high school.

While managing the Sinclair Station he met his bride of 53 years, Priscilla Haywood. They were married November 18, 1960. Together they raised three daughters, Kristine McQuistion, who welcomed him into heaven, Teresa and husband Pat Eberhart of LaVista, NE, and Michelle and husband Mike Renning of Emerson, NE. Cliff is also survived by son in law Gary McQuistion and his wife Shawn of Chamberlain, SD. Grandchildren Michala (Bryce) Anderson, Mikenzie (Nick) Carlson, Maxwell Renning, Mason Renning, Clinton (Taylor Nagel) McQuistion, John McQuistion, Andy McQuistion, JaeLee and Haley Soulek and Emma Eberhart. Great Granddaughters Adrienne Weber, Lily Carlson, and Kristine Jo McQuistion.

Cliff enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping and rock hunting/polishing. He also enjoyed card games with friends and family. Many family memories and traditions were made during camping trips. The fond memories of snowmobiling at the family cabin were some of Cliff’s favorites.

Cliff was known for his quick wit, sense of humor and firm handshake. He was also the go to man for any fix it issue you might have encountered. He enjoyed helping people and numerous years of flipping pancakes for the Kadoka Homecoming Pancake Supper. He served as the President of the Kadoka Cemetery Association. Cliff served as Kadoka Fire Department Fire Chief from 1969 -1975. He received the 1982 Outstanding Community Service Member from the Mt. Moriah Lodge #155.

After 32 years of dedicated service managing the Equity Union Exchange Cliff started his back hoe and gravel hauling business.

October 2, 2014, Cliff joined loved ones in heaven including daughter Kristine, parents Merle and Olive Parke, brother John Parke and brothers in law Charlie Williams and Jerry Kerkvliet.

Cliff is survived by sisters Frances (Robert) Getz of Kadoka, SD, Faye Kerkvliet of Whittier, CA, and Kathie Williams of Kadoka, SD, brother William (Lola) Parke of Rapid City, SD, and sister-in-law Aletha Parke of Rapid City, SD. He is also survived by his Aunt Peggy Drury and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. Sunday, October 5, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the auditorium on Monday.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 6, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Pastor Gary McCubbin and Pastor Gretchen Ritola officiating.

Interment will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.

A memorial has been established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, October 6, 2014 - 10:30 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
Pastor Gretchen Ritola
PALLBEARERS
Max Renning — Mason Renning
Clinton McQuistion — Andy McQuistion
John McQuistion — Brad Stout
USHERS
Larry Miller — Kent Nies
Jim Herber — John Herber
MUSIC
Ruth McCubbin — Pianist
Kassidy Ferguson — Vocalist
“Daddy’s Hands "
Susan Davidson — Vocalist
“The Lord’s Prayer”
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Ted Nies — Pat Weaver
Bernard Herber — Haven
Talich Rex Totton — Bob Bouman
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, October 5, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka
Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 6, at the Kadoka City Auditorium
Interment: Kadoka Cemetery.

Sign the guestbook

My sister, Sydne, called tonight and told me of Cliff's
passing. He was a good friend and I will miss him, but
never forget him!! ~ Butch Parkinson Irene, SD (10/2/2014)
Fishin' laughin' spending time with cousin, who will be sorely missed is the way I will remember Huck. ~ Terry & Vicky Barrett Clearfield, Utah (10/2/2014)
Dear Family
May you find comfort in knowing Cliff is no longer suffering. His smile would light up a room and as a kid, going to the elevator to get a pop from him was a real joy! Many years of the pancake supper as a kid and coming back years after graduating and he was ALWAYS smiling and flipping those pancakes! May God be with you in this time of sorrow
David, Michelle (Vander May), Kelcey, Katie and Lukas Butler ~ Michelle Butler Philip (10/2/2014)
We are sad to say goodbye to yet another member of the Parke family. Both John and Cliff were great fellows, always friendly, always helpful, always dependable. Our prayers and sympathy to you all. ~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler 24208 Fairview Road (10/2/2014)
Aunt Priscilla, Teresa, and Michelle:

You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Uncle Cliff was a wonderful man and we are better because he was a part of our lives. We may not be able to lessen the loss or the pain that you are feeling at this time but we love and care deeply for each of you.

Stephen, Helen, Madeline (Philip), and Andrew
~ Stephen Parke Lynchburg, Virginia (10/2/2014)
Priscilla and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all durning this tough time. You know that Cliff was one of a kind. I loved to visit with him and he always had a smile and asked how you weree doing even if he wasn't feeling good himself. Wow what a great person. I am so glad he got to spend time with his new Great Granddaughter Kristine because I know how much he missed daughter Kristine. I am sure daughter Kristine met Cliff at the gates of heaven and walked him in and they are catching up now just like old times!! May Cliff rest in peace!! God bless to all. ~ Pam Brayn Oacoam (10/2/2014)
We will never forget Cliff and feel it a privilege to have known him. We are grateful for being neighbors for a long time. Cliff was always ready with a great smile and a big, helping hand. May God bless all of you and bring you comfort.
Arnie and Robin Lund ~ Arnie and Robin Lund Kadoka,SD (10/2/2014)
There are no words to tell you how our family loved and cherished the friendship we have had with Ciff and his family always there to help us out building damns doing the aproch to our house and helping with Bills Roof in his time of need we will ALWAYS REMEBER ,God gained an angel for sure. Sincerely Bruce and Bonnie Madsen ~ Bonnie Madsen KadoKa S..D (10/2/2014)
You are in my thoughts and prayer. He is going to be greatly missed and not forgotten my many of us. ~ Jacke Jakeway Ft. White, Florida (10/2/2014)
Pat Kozlik's Daughter. My love and sympathies are with you, Miss Priscilla, and your family! ~ Tammy Dahms Kentucky (10/2/2014)
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am sorry for the loss of a great man. Clifford was a great person and fin to be around. He will be greatly missed. ~ Jimmy Meinen 1702 E Hwy 44 lot 122 RC SD (10/2/2014)
so sorry for your loss Parkes and extended family. Cliff is in great company now! ~ Scott Jones Po box 206 midlad sd (10/2/2014)
Cliff lived as we all ought. He was a man of integrity, compassion, friendship, devotion and understanding. He had a hand shake that would make a gorilla cringe. A smile and a hug that could help a hurting heart in a child or adult. Cliff lent a sense of peace and confidence where ever he was. He had many subtle ways to offer advice, with no nagging or harping. He would make you think of a way to better oneself. He gave to his family, to his country, to his community and his fellow man unconditionally. He expected nothing in return. We all will miss this fine fellow. Perhaps the message and legacy of Cliff's life is that we each try just a little bit harder to "walk the walk" as the example Cliff portrayed in his life. God's blessing to all who knew and loved Clifford ~ Chuck & Janet VanderMay Kadoka (10/2/2014)
Our thoughts and prayers are with Clifford's families. We sure are glad we got to meet the McQuistion's grandpa. ~ Tyler & Lena Hammell and family Chamberlain SD (10/2/2014)
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Cliff was such a gentle soul - he always wanted to visit whenever I ran into him. Please know that we are so very sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories! ~ Randy & Holly (Vosberg) Nemec Midland, SD (10/2/2014)
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I have many fond memories of our families getting together! Cliff always had a smile and an encouraging word. ~ Martin and Jeanie Leeper Palmer, Ne (10/2/2014)
My thoughts and Prayers are with you with you at this very difficult time. ~ Kari Pierre SD (10/2/2014)