Devona Parlee

Devona (Dee) I. Parlee, age 98 of Willmar, died peacefully in her sleep, on January 2, 2015, at Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home in Willmar.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 8, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church in Willmar. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the First Presbyterian Church Senior Transportation Fund or the American Stroke Association. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. (www.petersonbrothers.com)

Devona Irene Parlee was born on June 4, 1916 on the family farm, in Bancroft, SD, to Leslie and Mildred (Harrison) Tyrrell. Shortly after her birth the family relocated to Huron, SD. Dee grew up in that area and received her education there, graduating from Huron High School in 1934. After high school Devona pursued a career in civil services. On August 23, 1941, she was united in marriage to Eugene Parlee and they made their home in Huron, SD. Gene and Dee also spent four years stationed at various military bases during World War II. In 1961 they moved to Willmar, Minnesota and here Dee worked for the ASCS and FHA offices until she retired in May of 1977. She has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1961 where she served as a deacon and was active with the Women's Association. She was also a member of the Does (Elk's Club), Rice Hospital volunteer, and Shrine Bridge Auxiliary. Other interests included reading, travel (especially the many trips with her family), puzzles, cards, and coffee with friends. She cherished time with her family and delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters; Patricia (and Allan) Chan of Maple Grove and Kathy (and Wesley) Gauer of Eden Prairie. Also surviving are four grandchildren; Nathan (and Amy) Chan, Andrew (and Elaine) Chanova, Anne Gauer, and Blake Gauer, five great grandchildren; Ana Olson-Guillen, Harrison and Charlotte Chan, and Alex and Dylan Chanova, one sister, Bernice Todd of Gifford, IL and one brother, Phillip Tyrrell of Palm Desert, CA.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Eugene in 1988, daughter, Sharyn Ehn in 1966 and two sisters; Betty Cooper and Eunice Tyrrell.

A very special thank you to the staff and volunteers at Sunrise Village and Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home for their care, support, and friendship.

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