Emma M. Parkin, 94, of Dubuque died Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 pm Sunday at the Church of the Nativity with a parish wake service at 5:30.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Nativity followed by burial at Center Grove Cemetery.
Emma was born September 28, 1924 in North Buena Vista, Iowa, daughter of Frederick and Anna (Zimmer) Link.
Our mom was an amazing fireball of energy and love. She managed her life to be just what she wanted. Mom was born in a log cabin. She played shortstop on a softball team, waterskied, danced the swing, and was seriously a great cook.
On May 3, 1947, she married Richard “Dick” Parkin at Holy Ghost Church. He affectionately referred to her as the “Sarge.” Somehow his solid quiet English nature worked with her outgoing German nature. He preceded her in death on March 17, 1998.
During WWII, she worked at the Battery Factory making batteries for the Armed Forces and later was a waitress at Leiser’s for over 30 years. She loved waiting on people
Mom and Dad had many fond memories going to Big Birch Lake and catching sunnies and bass.
Emma was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed feeding her flock. She also enjoyed quilting and being the boss player at Euchre.
Besides being an active member of Nativity Church, you could find her there every Monday night setting up the tables and playing bingo.
She is survived by a daughter, Mary (Marshal Martin) Parkin of Dubuque; a son, Tom (Micki) Parkin of Dubuque; Grandchildren, Drew Jessica and Ben Martin; Wes (Kayte) Parkin, Sarah (Jared) Ohrt, Brian Parkin and Rachel (fiancé Andy Heinz) Parkin; great grandchildren, Tyler Kiner; Adam, Jane and Seth Parkin; and Jayden and Maddie Ohrt. She is also survived by a sister in law, Ginny Link.
She was also preceded in death by her sisters and brothers in law Dorothy and Art Frommelt, Agnes and George Theis, Katie and Buzz Rupp, and Joan and Bernie Schmitt; brothers and sisters in law, Frederick and Pearl Link, Walter and Rita Link, Alvin and Beth Link and Roger Link, and four siblings in infancy, Ralph, Celeste, Mary Jane and Michael Link.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Tammy and Peggy; the nurses and staff at Unity Point Health-Finley, and Nativity Parish, especially Becky and Fr. Jim.

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