V erlyn Parkis, 74, passed away peacefully August 14th at his home in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by his family.

Verlyn Clarence Parkis was born on December 21st, 1946 to Clarence & Leona (Nieman) Parkis.  Verlyn attended high school in Todd County, Wood and graduated from Colome High School.  Going through his yearbooks, we found out that he was in show choir and also a school play something that he never shared with us.  After high school, Verlyn was drafted into the army.

On June 6th, 1966, Verlyn was united in marriage to Shirley Kaiser in Colome, SD.  The day after their wedding, Verlyn returned to active duty.  Verlyn was discharged from the army in January 1968. To this union they were blessed with four children.

Verlyn worked various jobs but will always be remembered in the community as the milkman with Terrace Park Dairy/Land O'Lakes.  He retired in 2004 after 36 years of service, loyalty and devotion.  After retirement, Verlyn volunteered countless hours with Shirley's Diner.

In March of 2016, Verlyn and Shirley re-located to Sioux Falls to be closer to their daughter, Carrie and her family.

In November of 2016, Verlyn's life changed when Shirley suffered her stroke and could no longer live at home.  Even though living apart, Verlyn rarely missed a day from seeing her.  Verlyn made sure Shirley was taken care.  After she passed, his job on earth was done.  It was time for them to reunite.  Hopefully he wasn't late but if he was, we are sure Shirley was pointing at the clock when he arrived.

Verlyn is survived by his children Carla (Andy) Bruce-Pierre, SD, Christy (Greg) Feyereisen, Larry Parkis, Carrie (Steve) Contreras all of Sioux Falls, SD and his niece whom he thought of as one of his daughters (Becky) Tom Burdick of Mitchell, SD, grandchildren Jackson (fiance Jessie) Bruce, Allison (Taylen) Templeton, Chase & Kayla Feyereisen, Bryant, Brenden and Gianna Parkis, Phil & Olivia Contreras and his great nieces that were like his granddaughters Kylee (Jonathon) Shorosh and Haley Burdick, sister Sharon Bettcher and sister in law Marcella Kaiser, numerous nieces and nephews and his companion dog (Izzy).

Verlyn was preceded in death by wife, Shirley, parents (Clarence & Leona Parkis), mother & father in law (Henry & Ella Kaiser), grandson (Ryan), sister Jeanette Bellander & brothers Virgil & Wayne (Tuff) Parkis.

The family would like to thank Aseracare Hospice for taking such good care of our dad.