Marjorie Marie Parker, 89, Minot, died on Sunday, December 12, 2010, in a Minot hospital.

Marj was born on September 22, 1921, in Washburn, North Dakota, to Leo and Josephine (Indseth) Wilson. She spent her childhood years on the family farm near Falkirk, and at age 12, moved with her family to Washburn. Following her graduation from Washburn High School, Marj entered Jamestown College. She, along with her sisters Carol and Zoe, sang in a trio called The Wilson Sisters. They performed for numerous functions and were featured on a weekly radio program.

While attending Jamestown College, Marj met Herb Parker. After graduation from Jamestown College with Bachelors Degrees in History, Marj and Herb were married on August 9, 1942, in Washburn. The Parkers made their first home in Dickinson, with Marj commuting to teach in Belfield. The family moved to Minot in 1947 when Herb accepted a teaching and coaching position at Minot State University.

After her children were in school, Marj returned to teaching at Surrey High School for a couple of years before being employed in the offfice at Minot High School for ten years. When her children finished high school, Marj again returned to the classroom, teaching at Minot High School for seven years. Following her teaching career, Marj was employed at St. Joseph\'s Hospital Credit Union until her retirement in 1983.

Marj enjoyed an active retirement with Herb, attending sports events, traveling, golfing, and socializing with their many friends. Marj was an avid music enthusiast and attended concerts and musical programs whenever possible. She was an involved member of Vincent United Methodist Church and served as an officer in the women\'s organization. in addition, she was a past member of the Minot Country Club, PEO Chapters AG and AW, Eagles Aerie, and several informal bridge groups. Marj especially enjoyed golfing, reading, crossword puzzles, and playing bridge. Her greatest loves in life were her husband, Herb; her children, family, and friends; music; Minot State University; and Vincent United Methodist Church. Following Herb\'s death on October 7, 2007, Marj sold the home where they had lived for more than 50 years and moved to The View in Minot where she continued an active lifestyle until her death.

Marj\'s loving family includes her children: Pamela (Leo) Kinsella of Hilton Head, SC; Herb Jr. (Vangie Johnson) Parker of Williston; and Zoe Ann Parker Healy of Rugby; son-in-law Jerry Healy of Rugby; grandchildren: Andrea (Bruce) Buckless, Kim (Chris) Pagel, Melissa (Sean) Rahn, Tara (Jack) Hallberg, Megan Healy, Taryn Healy, Marie Parker, Becky Parker, and Cherisse Parker; great-grandchildren Connor Buckless; Luke, Vaughn, and Kennedy Pagel; sisters-in-law Lorraine (Holly) Wilson of Fargo; Ruby Parker of Langdon; Patricia Parker of Minneapolis; and brother-in-law Bill Parker of Fargo.

Marj was preceded in death by her parents; husband Herb Parker; sisters Carol (Irven) Jacobson and Zoe (Sid) Van Ness, and brother David Wilson.

Funeral Service: Friday, December 17, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church Minot.
Interment will be in the spring at First Lutheran Church Cemetery Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Vincent United Methodist Church, the Minot State University Herb Parker Scholarship Fund, or the MSU Department of Music.