Mark L. Parpart

Mark L. Parpart, 61, of Calamus, Iowa, formerly of Moline, Illinois, died unexpectedly Monday, March 13, 2017, at Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt, Iowa.

Services are 11:00 a.m. Friday at Preemption United Methodist Church. Visitation is 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Cremation will take place prior to services at Trimble Crematory. Memorials may be made to Mercer County 4H or the family for a fund to be established.

Mark Laurent Parpart was born February 27, 1956, in Moline, the son of Howard and Ruth (Huber) Parpart. He married Cheryl Ann Slover on October 14, 1977, in Kewanee, Illinois.

He worked for John Deere for 39 years, most recently at the John Deere Parts Distribution Center in Milan. Prior to that, he worked for Bear Manufacturing formerly in Rock Island.

Mark was, and is forever, a kind hearted soul, devoted to his family and friends. His childhood fondness of animals continued as an adult and he especially loved his cats. He spent many childhood summers camping in State and National parks and shared these experiences with his family.

He was in his element surrounded by the Great Outdoors with a crackling campfire and the company of his family. Mark enjoyed fishing and was an avid gardener. His inventive spirit manifests itself into handmade and customized equipment, crafts and solutions for everyday living. Retirement eluded him but he had grand plans to travel including a return to the ocean surrounding Hawaii, where he never tired of the beauty seen while snorkeling.

Mark also loved classic cars. He "picked" a Mustang from a shed in rural Missouri and planned a full restoration. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and delighted in teaching them anything mechanical and nurturing animal husbandry. He cherished his bride of 39 years and was ever proud of the home they had created and the children they raised.

Most importantly, Mark was a man of God. His faith never wavered. His open ear and non-judgmental demeanor provided him multiple opportunities to serve others in their time of need.

Mark is survived by his wife, Cheryl; a brother, Daniel Parpart of Beaverton, Oregon; children, Katherine Lynn Williams of Clinton, Missouri, Matthew Laurent (April) Parpart of Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, Rebecca Rae (Robert) Spears of New Windsor, Illinois; grandchildren, Cordell Rope Williams, Aidan Lynn Spears, Trisden Hunter Williams, Gavin Christian Spears, Noah Matthew Parpart, Ava Ruth Parpart, and Toby Brennen Spears; and beloved cousins, in-laws, and close family friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude and prayers to the Clinton County first responders and staff at the DeWitt Hospital.

Visit Mark's personal tribute page at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com to share stories and condolences, and light a candle in his memory.