Ralph Patrick Parker

Ralph Patrick Parker, 90, of Gering, Nebraska, died Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 8, 2024, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., both at Christ the King Catholic Church in Gering with Fr. Mike McDonald as Celebrant. Inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Gregory, South Dakota. Memorials may be made to the family with future designation. The Mass will be live-streamed and recorded to Ralph’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Ralph was born July 6, 1933, in Dallas, South Dakota, to Otis and Kathryn (Nilles) Parker. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Dallas High School.

He married Verdene Martha Edwards on September 27, 1954, in Dallas, SD. Together they welcomed five daughters and one son, Deb, Doretta, Donna, Denise, Deena and Doug. 

Ralph was a farmer and carpenter until he found his passion, truck driving. He drove millions of miles over the course of 52 years, many with the Smith Family Trucking Companies. 

He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and St. Agnes Catholic Church.

Ralph enjoyed watching sports, especially baseball. He was a lifelong Dodgers fan and later a Rockies fan.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Verdene “Dee”; children, Deb (Tim) Vapenik, Doretta (Greg) Burrows, Donna (Dale) Radford, Denise (Pat) Wallesen, Deena (Brian) Mattox, Doug (Laurie) Parker; grandchildren, Josh Vapenik, Jon (Jessica) Vapenik, Ben Vapenik, Reo, Sheena, Shae and Stuart Radford, Reggie Wallesen, Hannah (Nick) Enriquez, Leah, Dylan and Devin Mattox, Brock, Emme and Allison Parker; six great-grandchildren with one on the way; two sisters; four brothers; and one sister-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; one sister; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law.