Republic – Claud J. Parkinson age 87 of 5766 Willow Lane in St. Paul, MN and formerly of Republic, MI passed away Monday July 24, 2017 at St. Therese of New Hope while in the loving care of his family and nursing staff.

Claud was born on April 5, 1930 in Grayling, MI to the late Claud M. and Nellie (Young) Parkinson. Claud grew up in the Grayling area graduating from Grayling High School before serving his country in the Army during the Korean war. While serving in Korea he was awarded two purple hearts after being wounded on separate occasions. Claud attended Northern Michigan University where he received his bachelor of science degree and later his masters degree. He was a teacher and Superintendant at the Republic-Michigamme Schools for 30 years.

Claud was a former member of St. Augustine's church in Republic, the Republic VFW, and the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed golfing, collecting and reading books, going to estate sales to find hidden gems, and loved his family who meant the world to him.

Claud is survived by his wife Kathleen (Sullivan) Parkinson, 4 children - Mark (Eloisa) Parkinson, Joe Pat (Kristie) Parkinson, John (Sandi) Parkinson, Kathy (Pete) Feit, step-son – Bob LaMere, sister – Norma Barber, 10 grandchildren – Chase, Tony, Kaylin, Andria, Jen Sides, Matt, Jed, Jake, Josh, Alex, 20 great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Rose (Mayo) Magnant, brothers – Art, Charles, James, and Norris Parkinson, sisters – Helen Bogie, Aletha Parkinson, and Betty Black.

Claud's family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon on Thursday July 27, 2017 at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Republic where the Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon with Fr. Dan Moll as celebrant. A luncheon will follow the Mass in the church fellowship hall. Military Honors will be accorded at the gravesite in the Republic Township Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Matt, Jed, Jake Perry, Tony Parkinson, Josh LaMere, and Clayton "Butch" Brown.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the St. Augustine Catholic Church.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .