Robert L. Parr, 88, of Janesville died Friday, March 1, 2019, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville.
He was born April 4, 1930, in Rockton, Wis., the son of the late Alton and Bessie (Purkhurst) Parr. Robert married Monica Rynes on May 24, 1981. He went to Salem School, a one-room schoolhouse.
At 16 years of age, he went to work hauling milk and working on a farm. He worked the family farm with his dad in Ontario while working at Badger Ordnance. He later got a job at Fisher Body in Janesville. He was then hired into the Chevrolet plant in Janesville to work during the day, and he worked at the foundry in Beloit at night. He retired from the Chevrolet plant in Janesville after 35 years (1991).
He was a dog whisperer and liked to spend his time in his garage repairing bicycles and making benches, stools and other things with his woodworking tools. He enjoyed helping people by working on their houses, yards or anything else they might have needed. He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Monica; seven children, Bessie Hable of Janesville, Roger (Carol) Parr of Ontario, Robert C. (Brenda) Parr of Beloit, Robin (Parfait) Zinsou of Fort Worth, Texas, Ginger Lowrey of Janesville, Dawn Lowrey of Janesville, and Nicole Lowrey of North Chicago, Ill.; the family pet, Koko, his 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law and best friend, Byron “Butch” Miller; his brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Bessie Parr; his sisters, Betty Lowrey and Phyllis Miller; his daughter, Shelly Williams (Roberts); two grandchildren; and the family pet, Coco.
A memorial service will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory. A visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the hour of service at Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory. For an online obituary and registry, go to www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.
