Richard Carroll Parkinson, 81, of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Rock River Hospice and Home in Sterling, IL.
Richard was born August 28, 1940, in Chicago, IL, to Kenneth C. and Mae L. (Carroll) Parkinson. He was a graduate of Park Military Academy in Chicago. In 1961 he graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, IA, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational and Technical Education. He continued at Iowa State, and, in 1964, he received a Master’s in Educational Administration. After graduation he was an instructor at the Fort Dodge, IA, High School and Junior College until 1966. He then moved to Morrison and became an Instructor, Department Chair, Academic Dean, and Placement Officer for the Institute of Drafting and Technology, now known as Morrison Institute of Technology. He remained there until his passing. Richard was President of the College for 22 years, held the position of Chief Financial Officer for three years, and, for the last 12 years, held the position of Vice President of Finances and Facilities Planning. Richard, affectionately known as Mr. P., devoted his life to the college and his church, St. Mary Catholic Church in Morrison. He enjoyed taking students on outings, traveling in his motor home, and spending time with his dogs. Richard was on the parish Finance Council; very involved in the church renovation and improvements; a member of the Knights of Columbus. His hobbies included skiing, hiking, aviation, and ATV riding.
Survivors include a cousin, Mary Ellen (Bill J.) Woertz of Glenwood Springs, CO; her son, William Carroll Woertz. He also leaves a brother, Kenneth R. Parkinson; his church; Morrison Tech family; many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to thank Rock River Hospice for their wonderful care during Richard’s last days.
His Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, April 29, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Morrison, IL, with Rev. Father Slawomir Zimodro, Celebrant of the Mass and Rev. Father William Antillon, Concelebrant.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A memorial to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital has been established.