Robert Nicholas Parker Jr.

Robert Nicholas Parker Jr. (aka Bob, Bobby), 54, of the Town of Freedom, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends, on June 7, 2026, following a brief but devastating cancer diagnosis.

Bobby was born on November 4, 1971, in Appleton, Wisconsin to the late Robert and Margaret (Hofacker) Parker. He attended St. Edward Catholic School in Mackville and graduated from Freedom High School in 1990.

His greatest passion was the outdoors. He loved spending time riding motorcycles, driving his semi, training dogs, hunting, fishing, or spending time alone in nature. He found peace and solitude in these places that he loved most.

Bobby was an accomplished cook and baker who enjoyed creating his own recipes on the grill and smoker and had no problem dirtying every dish and utensil in the house in the process. He loved sharing his food and recipes with others, although many of his signature creations remained in his head. Fortunately, during his final week, his family was able to learn a few of his specialties.

Throughout his life, Bobby worked in various fields. He was an experienced welder, owned two businesses, drove milk truck for Greiner Trucking, and most recently worked for D.A.D. Acres LLC. He also was a past member of the Freedom Volunteer Fire Department.

Bobby is survived by his son, Nicholas Parker (Dana Ambrosius); his grandson, Lane Parker; and his beloved dog and best friend, Jasper; his sisters and brother and his nieces and nephews: Mary Parker; Liz (Rick) Kurey: Megan Parker, McKenna Kurey (significant other Jack Sadownikow), Madison Kurey; Andy (Amy) Parker: Lexi Gruber (fiancé Josh Schuh), Dakota Parker (significant other Kyra Reader), Josey Parker (significant other Ashton Peterson); Anne (Adam) Hoff: Parker Hoff and Piper Hoff. He is further survived by many other close relatives.

Bobby was blessed with an incredible group of friends whom he considered family for years. Special thanks to longtime friend and neighbor Amy Soderman and her sons, Logan and Evan Hendrickson, Al Mattox, Jason and Lisa Angotti, and the "driveway crew": Jim Garvey, Jeremy Strong, Tim Adams, Klay Konrad, Mike Becker, and Curt Bellin, as well as many other lifelong friends.

Bobby will be reunited in Heaven with his parents, Robert and Margaret (Hofacker) Parker; his Aunt Annie Hofacker, who lived with the family while Bobby was growing up; his grandparents: Rawley and Josephine Parker and William Sr. and Ruth Hofacker, and many other relatives and friends.

A funeral Mass for Bobby will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, N2926 State Highway 47, Mackville, Wisconsin. Father Judah Pigon and Deacon Jeff Hofacker will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 11:45 a.m. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the ER and ICU staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton, especially ICU physician Dr. Lisa Kaiser: You are an angel! Thank you also to ThedaCare Hospice, especially Ben, Nadyne, and Aleena; Father Raju Palleti, Deacon Jeff Hofacker, and all who prayed with Bobby and his family during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please take time to visit the sick and lonely in our communities, hospitals, and nursing homes. This is the greatest gift you can give in Bobby's memory.

Bobby, we love you and will miss you forever. Give Mom, Dad, and Annie a hug from all of us.