DeJong, Lloyd G. 'Parse' 1917-2006

DEJONG, HAMMOND

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/4/2011 at 08:37:51

The Rev. Lloyd G ‘Parse’ De Jong
The Rev. Lloyd G. ‘Parse’ Jong was called home to eternal rest, surrounded by his five children and many loved ones on Monday, April 7, 2006.
Parse was born in Orange City on Aug. 11, 1917. He graduated from high school and junior college in Orange City, IA.
He met the love of his life, Bernice E. Hammond, during his junior year at Coe College in Cedar Rapids and they were engaged in the spring of 1939. He entered McCormick Seminary in 1939, and he and Bernice were married on May 1, 1940.
Parse was ordained in May 1, 1942 and he and Bernice were called to the Chippewa Falls Presbyterian Church that same year. Two daughters, Joann and Judy, were born during this time.
Parse enlisted in the Navy in 1944. He shipped out as chaplain on the U.S.S. Raleigh and served in the Atlantic Theater for seven months. Later, he transferred to the west coast and served on the U.S.S. Miflin. VEday was announced while Parse was serving in the Atlantic and he was in the Pacific when the end of the war with Japan was announced. In both theaters, Parse had the
great thrill of arranging and leading a service of peace and victory. In August of 1945, Parse returned to his family and his pastorate in Chippewa Falls, Wisc.
In 1947, Parse and his family were called to the First Presbyterian Church in Portage, Wisc.. and were blessed with 16 wonderful years of ministry. During those years Jane, Jim and Jerry were born, completing the 5 Is’.
In 1963, Parse and the family were called to the First Presbyterian Church in Fond du Lac, Wisc., where he and Bernice served until 1985. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Carroll College in 1963.
Following his retirement a call led Parse and Bernice to Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, where he served as college chaplain for seven years. After his second retirement he served as interim pastor for various Presbyterian churches. Parse and Bernice returned to Fond du Lac in 1997 for their fifth and final retirement.
In every community and throughout his life, Parse gave so willingly of his time and pastoral presence to everyone he encountered. He served as moderator or President of more organizations
than can be mentioned and always served the Lord, the churches, the people and the communities with great love and commitment. Parse loved being surrounded by people and had a personality and presence that filled any room he entered. He loved and was loved deeply.
He is survived by his five children, Joann (Chuck) Hellberg, Judy (Harry) Cuff, Jane (Tom Dewey) Lewin, Jim (Patty) De Jong and Jerry (Art Rivadeneyra) De Jong; his grandchildren, Lana (Jeff) Chappel, Jacob and Alexandra; Robyn Wright; Jill (Bruce) Langer, Steven and Justin; Brian (Janet), Hellberg, Andy and Charlie; Becky Anderson and Elizabeth; Mandy Cuff and Katie (Scott) Sulpizio; Ben De Jong, Juliana De Jong; a sister, Harriet (Orville) Kuiken; a foster daughter, Carolyn Christiansen and her family; and all of Parses extended family. The family wishes to thank his special friend, Myrt Stoll.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hattie (Van Rooyan) De Jong; a brother, the Rev. C.V.R. De Jong; two sisters, Jeane Vander Berg and Margaret Vander Wel; and on
Sept. 28, 2001 his beloved wife and partner Bernice.
Source Sioux County Capital Democrat of May, 2006