Умер легендарный ветеран ВМФ и предприниматель Теодор Паркин, прославившийся своим обаянием и любовью к азартным играм

Theodore James Parkin February 27, 1948 – August 22, 2026 Ted came into this world crashing through the door via a home birth, a staggering 14-pound baby (rumored to be breech), during a howling Minnesota blizzard on February 27, 1948. From that dramatic entrance onward, his life was anything but conventional. He possessed a legendary gift of gab, a love of gambling, a lifelong appreciation for the ladies, and a talent for making sure he was never the quietest person in the room. ADVERTISEMENT Ted served in the United States Navy, including service in Vietnam. In the years that followed, he spent much of his life in the hospitality business, where he was right at home. From golf courses to poker rooms, and bars and restaurants in between, he found plenty of places where he could talk to people, tell stories, make friends, stir up a little trouble, and, most importantly, have a good time. Ted was married twice—to Judy Batterson and later to Laura Holmen. Through those marriages, he became a father to five children. Ted left us on Saturday, August 22, 2026, dropping no final words of profound wisdom, but leaving behind plenty of vivid lessons on how to be a proud—but imperfect—parent. In his final days, he found joy reconnecting with old classmates and friends from his youth, bringing full circle a life lived entirely on his own terms. Ted is survived by his children: Hiedi Treitline (Jeff), Amy Parkin, Jaimeson Parkin (Ashley Sievers), Taylor Archer (Chad), and Alex Parkin (Melissa); his grandchildren, Briella Treitline, Everly Parkin, and Jack and Edith Archer; and his siblings, Jerry, Dale, and Merry Sue. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frieda, and siblings David, Bertha, Donald, and Tammy Jo. A celebration of Ted’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19, from noon to 3:00 PM at the Richfield VFW.