Jean A. Vigness -Parker

Jean Vigness-Parker, 77, of Grand Fork, ND died on October 30, 2014 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Jean Audrey Stromstad was born on September 23, 1937 in Crookston, MN, the daughter of John and Olga Stromstad. She grew up on the family farm in Scandia Township southwest of Beltrami, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in Scandia Lutheran Church just down the road from the family farm. She attended the White Dove School, Scandia Township, until it consolidated into the Beltrami School. Jean completed the remaining elementary years there and then attended the Northwest School of Agriculture through her graduation. Jean became a telephone operator following high school, running an old-fashioned plug-in connection board before all calls were completed electronically. Jean was employed several places, making friends and providing valuable service at South Junior High School and later at Leevers and Millers grocery stores. In 1958 Jean married Palmer Vigness. To their marriage four children were born, Bryan, Brent, Jeffery and Mary Beth. They were later divorced. Jean married Rick Parker in 1993. They continued to live in their home in Grand Forks until Jean's passing. Jean's primary vocation in life was to be a good mother to her children. She invested heavily in nurturing them to adulthood and continued to support them as adults, later welcoming in grandchildren and great grandchildren to love and care for. She was a good friend to many, serving her church, Calvary Lutheran in the kitchen and in other ways. She sang in the women's ensemble at Calvary for many years. Jean also served many years on the Northwest School Alumni Board. She enjoyed a good cup of coffee and the crossword puzzle in the morning paper, in addition to watching the Young and Restless, Jeopardy and visiting with family and friends. Jean is survived by her husband Richard (Rick)Parker, her sons Brent Vigness, and Jeffrey (Judy) Vigness and her daughter, Mary Beth Vigness. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, and her very special friend Carol Lee-Raymond. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Bryan Vigness. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Nov., 5, 2014 at 11:00 AM in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 S 9th St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S 42nd St., Grand Forks. Interment will be in the Scandia Cemetery, rural Beltrami, MN.