Jack Parisian

life story

A friend to all

Fly with the angels, Jack!

Just a wonderful story

Jack’s story began on June 9, 1930 at the Hotel Bement, owned by his family, in Waubun, MN. There, he was born and lived his early life. He was the youngest of 5 children born to Josephine and Victor. He was very active in sports playing basketball and football at Mahnomen high school. Despite his short stature and being called ‘Little Indian’ he scored the winning touchdown in the big game. Jack was a member of the White Earth Band of Objiwe.

After high school, Jack went into the service during the Korean War. While stationed at Hamilton Air Force base, Jack was nervous and razzed when the brigadier general, while touring the base, called Jack into his office. Turned out, it was just for a visit as they were both from the same town.

A blind date started a romance, nourished by a year of long-distance love letters. The marriage to Betty on September 26, 1959 sealed their true love.

Together, they raise five children in Crystal, MN. He was such an active and wonderful dad that so many others wished he was their dad too.

Jack worked for 30 years with Burlington Northern railroad.

After retirement, Jack and Betty headed to their happy place on Little Sand Lake in Park Rapids.

You would recognize Jack by his lifelong mustache, contagious smile and ever-present camera in his hand. If Jack ever took your picture and sent you that picture, you truly meant a lot to him. Jack took thousands of pictures capturing moments that were important to him.

A happy go lucky personality, always joking around, he made life fun and funny.

Teasing children and adults was a common theme in his life. He loved practical jokes, making people laugh and putting a smile on the face of everyone around him.

Jack loved his family, magic tricks, newspapers, yardwork, camping, and watching the news.

His adventurous spirit led him to several places in the world traveling throughout Europe, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Cuba, and many Caribbean cruises with family.

Donuts, treats, gifts, photos were one of many ways that Jack said, I love you.

He valued relationships above everything. Jack was loved by all because he loved everyone.

Jack was a devout Catholic all the way until the end of his life.

The most wonderful story ever written ended with a bang. Jack passed away peacefully during a thunderstorm. A flash of lightning and an immediate clap of thunder called him home to share an

eternity with Betty and all his family and friends that passed before him.

He is survived by his 5 children, 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park with 9:30 am visitation and 10:30 service.

memorial service

Funeral Services

May 6, 2025

St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church 9100 93rd Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445, USA

9:30 am visitation

10:30 am service

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services