Albert Edward Parker Jr.

Albert Edward Parker, Jr., 80, of the North Park Neighborhood of Chicago’s northwest side, passed away on April 29, 2020 after a brief illness. He was the loving father of Heather (Eladio) Valdez and Katie Parker. Dear brother of Mary Parker and James Parker. Longstanding member of North Park Covenant Church where a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Ed, as he was known by his friends, was born in Chicago in 1940 to Albert Sr., and Margaret Parker. As a child he spent many amazing summers on his family’s farm outside of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. As a teenager his attention turned to cars, spending his free time helping out at a service station near Lawrence and Elston in Chicago. He learned a lot about cars during this time and used that knowledge to help friends and strangers with car repairs throughout his life. He worked for many years as a systems analyst for Bell and Howell and then Rand McNally. Tiring of corporate life he bought a print shop in Elgin, Illinois in the early 1990s where he not only enjoyed the art and design of printing but also getting to know the customers and their stories. In 1966 he married Marla Parker, although they divorced after many years of marriage, they continued to express care and concern for one another up until his death. Together they had two daughters, Heather and Kate. He provided unconditional love, support and guidance to his girls throughout their lives. He shared with them his love for cars of the 50s and 60s, especially late 1960s Buick Rivieras. You could frequently see his girls cruising around town in his special cars. He also instilled in them a love of farms, country life, and a respect for nature. It wasn’t unusual for his daughters to be woken up late at night or early in the morning when there was an opportunity to see the northern lights or wildlife passing through their city yard. He had a soft spot for pets and would be the yes vote his daughters needed when they would bring home stray or unwanted pets. His favorite pets have been his German Shepherd dogs having been the guardian to five over the past 50 years. He will be greatly missed by his daughters and his current rescued German Shepherd mix, Jonny, who has been his canine companion over the past 2 years. His daughters will continue to love and spoil Jonny in their fathers absence and will always carry their dad’s love in their hearts. Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.