Virgil L. Parks

Virgil Lewis Parks, 91, of O'Neill, died Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 at the Word of Life Christian Center in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 at the Christian center in O'Neill.

Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of the arrangements.

Virgil was born on May 16, 1934 in Page, to Marion and Dena (Alder) Parks. He grew up in the Page area and attended country school in rural Page, before attending Page High School and graduating in 1952.

He met Pauline Strong at the M&M Bakery in O'Neill in 1954, where she worked. The couple later married on Aug. 20, 1955 in O'Neill. Shortly after, Virgil began working for Lloyd Whaley, ranching northeast of O'Neill.  

In 1972 Virgil and Pauline moved into O'Neill and made their forever home. Virgil worked a short time for his brother-in-law Herman Orsborn in the haying business before going to work for Olson Brothers Manufacturing as a welder. He started working for the City of O'Neill in 1989 as a wastewater treatment plant operator. He retired from there after 20 years. He then went to work for his son-in-law Dave Jakubowski at Agricultural Services in 2002 as a delivery truck driver. Virgil retired in 2015.

Virgil was a storyteller and a jokester. He liked to make people laugh and smile. He loved his grandchildren dearly and bragged about them often. He enjoyed building things in his spare time. He also loved hunting, fishing and gardening. 

He was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. 

Virgil is survived by his wife of 70 years Pauline Parks of O'Neill; three children Pam (Dave) Jakubowski of O'Neill, Zane (Kathleen) Parks of Lincoln and Eric (Corine) Parks of Tampa, FL; eight grandchildren Mike (Cindy) Jakubowski, Andy (Jennifer) Jakubowski, Ron (Tracy) Jakubowski, Valarie (Todd) Kennedy, Ethan Parks, Krista (Nathanael) Sheets, Jacqueline (Brett) Rash and Taylor (Kayla) Parks; 23 great-grandchildren Dillon, Breanna, Madelynne, Brody, Morgan, Marcus, Ashley, Lexi, Ryan, Julia, Liam, Kiarra, Samson, Keaton, Kaia, Kayson, Kyler, Rory, Eliza, Keelie, Ayviann, Odison and Naomi; seven great-great-grandchildren Scott, Pete, Bud, Brynn, Luke, Hadley and Kinley; two sisters Dona Trowbridge of O'Neill and Maryln (Ken) Kucera of Clarkson; one brother Ted Parks of Fremont; two sisters-in-law Joyce (Gordy) Kotrous of Pierce and Lonnie (George) Fuller of O'Neill; two brothers-in-law Earl Strong of O'Neill and Jim Strong of Fenton, MO;  and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marion and Dena Parks; two brothers Jim Parks and Gordon Parks; one sister Lorella Parks; one stepsister Doris Fick; two sisters-in-law Theresa Parks and Dorothy Parks; four brothers- and sisters-in-law Herman (Dodie) Orsborn, Norma Strong, Tim (Jennie) McGaffin and Bill Strong; and one niece Mary Rodenbaugh.