Lawrence Wayne Parkos

Lawrence “Larry” Wayne Parkos, age 69, passed away on Sunday, July 20th at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester after receiving critical care for two weeks.

Larry was born on April 9, 1956 in Faribault, MN, to James and Leila (Jandro) Parkos. He attended Faribault High School and graduated with the class of 1973. He served in the United States Navy for three years, spending time in Japan and Guam during the end of the Vietnam War, and then was honorably discharged in 1977.

After returning home, Larry spent his time enjoying the company of the many family and friends he loved so deeply. He was active in the Faribault Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20, a proud member of the Morristown American Legion Post 149, regularly attended recovery meetings across several locations, and poured his heart into raising his three children. Larry had a gift for connecting with people and could make a friend in any room he entered. He also had a love for writing, and in recent years took joy in riding his lawn mower all over his favorite town of Waterville.

Larry is survived by his children, Leila Rose Parkos (Eric Dahlberg) of Owatonna and Thomas Wayne Parkos of Owatonna; and his two cherished grandsons, Gunner Dahlberg (4) and Silas Dahlberg (2). He is also survived by his siblings: Peggy O’Leary of Arcata, CA; Howard (Diane) Parkos of Faribault; Tina McCusker of Faribault; Nick (Theresa) Parkos of Faribault; and Jamie Parkos (fiancée Svita Pagel) of Cannon City. A special thank you goes to Ed and the many friends who supported him in recovery and in countless other ways.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest son, Benjamin Parkos; his sister Shirley Younger (Parkos); brother-in-laws Dan O’Leary and Dennis McCusker; and other extended relatives.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Waterville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service, with Words of Remembrance beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider writing down your favorite memory of Larry or sharing a recipe to leave at the guest book area for his children.