Norm Parker Obituary

Norm Parker, of Iowa City, IA, died on January 13, 2014 at the University of Iowa Hospital. He was 72. Norm was born on October 9, 1941 in Detroit to George E. & Margery F. (Stone) Parker.

Norm coached college football for 48 years, retiring after the 2011 season. Norm served as the University of Iowa’s Defensive Coordinator from 1999 through 2011. The Hawkeyes won Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2004, being bowl eligible in 11 straight seasons.

Norm coached at Michigan State University from 1983 through 1994, winning Big Ten titles in 1987 and 1990, as well as the 1988 Rose Bowl.

He also coached at Vanderbilt, East Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota, Wake Forest and Eastern Michigan. Norm played football at, and graduated from Eastern Michigan, where he is a member of the University’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Following the 2011 season, Parker was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.

Coach Parker was fortunate to spend 48 years doing something he truly loved. His memory will by cherished by the many coaches, players and support staff he worked with.

When not coaching, Norm enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren (Tyler, Alyssa, Colton, Roxie, Bridgette & Jasmine) at his cottage in northern Michigan. He will be greatly missed.

In 1966 Norm married Ginger Hunter. She preceded him in death in 1980. In 1981 Norm married Linda Hunter. Norm is survived by Linda, as well as his son Jim (Denise) of Bloomfield, MI; daughter Suzy Parker of Nashville, TN; daughter Michelle Hoey of Pickford, MI; daughter Joyce (Rob) Anderson of Drummond Island, MI and his brother Bill Parker of Hamburg Twp., MI. Norm was preceded in death by his very special and dear son, Jeff Parker and his brother Richard Parker.

The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Jan. 17, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, Michigan, with Rev. Dr. William Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea on Thursday from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m.

A memorial service will be held in Iowa City at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics, or may be directed to The Norm Parker Athletic Scholarship Fund, c/o The University of Iowa Foundation, PO Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550.