Parkinson, Schubert 1912-1974

PARKINSON, CLAY, WEDD

Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 7/30/2007 at 19:48:56

FUNERAL RITES TUESDAY
FOR SCHUBERT PARKINSON

Schubert Parkinson, 61, LeMars and Sioux City businessman, died Saturday evening (May 4, 1974) at Floyd Valley Hospital after a long illness.

He was owner of the Parkinson Music Co. stores in LeMars and Sioux City.

Mr. Parkinson was born June 29, 1912, in Sioux City. His parents were the late William B. and Fannie Ada Clay Parkinson.

His family moved to LeMars when he was six months old and he had since resided here. He attended the LeMars schools and Westmar College. He had owned and operated the LeMars music store since 1946 and Sioux City since 1965.

His marriage to Ruth Wedd, of Longford, Kan., took place Dec. 31, 1935, in LeMars.

Mr. Parkinson was first bassoonist for the Sioux City symphony orchestra and Sioux City municipal band.

He was double reed clinician at the University of South Dakota the last several years.

Before starting the music business, Ruth and Schubert Parkinson spent 10 years presenting over 500 musical programs each year for schools in 15 states through the Midwest to develop interest in school bands.

The traveling musicians were known as the Parkinson National Musical Ensembles.

In April 1943, Schubert entered the army and was a member of the army band at Fort Bragg, N.C. He also spent a year overseas in the medical corps.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church in LeMars where he was a lifelong member.

Rev. Tom Balm will officiate and burial will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens in LeMars under the direction of the Mauer funeral home.

Casketbearers will be Arie Bomgaars, Donald Stevens, Edwin Danner, Sheldon Cram, Tom Vance and Dick Vance.

Survivors are his wife Ruth Parkinson of LeMars; two sons, Bill, Arlington, Va., and Michael, Ypsilanti, Mich.; a daughter, Mrs. Don (Pam) Hirschman of LeMars; six grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. R. H. (Evelyn) Aurand of Cedar Falls and Mrs. J. S. (Grace) Deedrick, LeMoore, Calif.; and one brother, Carol, of LeMars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Parkinson, and a brother, Orion.

The W. B. Parkinson were pioneer Chautauqua musicians and collectors of ancient musical instruments. The tradition of musical programs was carried on by their two sons, Schubert and Carol.

~source: LeMars Daily Sentinel, May 6, 1974, page 1, col. 1 & 2.