John W. Parshall

John W. Parshall, 79, of Coon Valley, died April 10, 2010 at his home. He was born January 25, 1931 in Marion, Ohio to John K. and Daisy (Thomas) Parshall. He spent his youth in Ohio, living in the cities of Marion, Lorain, Ravenna, Kent and Lima. John graduated from Lima Central High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Air Force from December 27, 1950 to December 3, 1954. His training and duties were as a Jet Interceptor aircraft mechanic and crew chief. He was stationed in Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX, Truax Field in Madison, Johnson AFB in Japan and Wold-Chamberlain Field in Minneapolis, MN. While stationed at Truax Field in Madison he met his wife of 57 years, Betty Arlene Kidd of Highland, Wisconsin.

John took over operation of his father-in-law's cheese factory in Mt. Zion, Wisconsin until 1974 when they moved to Coon Valley. He worked at the Coon Valley Co-op Creamery as a cheese maker and later was a manager for AMPI before retiring in 1991.

John had a "green thumb" and enjoyed his flowers and gardening. He also enjoyed reading in his later years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Coon Valley and the Coon Valley American Legion Post #116.

Survivors include his wife Betty; six children Cindy (Robert) U'ren of Fennimore, Nancy (Russ) Cornford of Coon Valley, Mark (Kathy) Parshall of Westby, Janet (David) Olmstead of Viroqua, John (Shelly) Parshall of Bangor and Lisa Parshall of Buffalo, N.Y; a son-in-law Steve Black of Coon Valley; 19 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and a sister Ruth (Tom) Hillard of Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Barbara Black and a sister Marsha Hissong.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday April 14, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Coon Valley. Rev. Robert Cook and Rev. Wayne Kidd will concelebrate with burial in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Military honors will be conducted by the Coon Valley American Legion Post #116. Friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time.