"Hey Dad, I just wanted to let you know that I am, as always, thinking of you. I hope that you are at peace. I miss you, dad, and I love you. A lot of things have changed this year, and I like to think that I have grown and gotten to a better place. That doesn't mean, however, that I wish things had been different or that I had been given the opportunity to say goodbye. RIP Dad...Love you."
In loving memory of
RODNEY (BO) PARKKONEN
March 30, 1951 - September 5, 2008
Rodney Allan "Bo" Parkkonen, 57, died unexpectedly at his home, in Traverse City, Michigan on Friday, September 5, 2008.
Rodney was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on March 30, 1951. He grew up in Negaunee, Michigan. Rodney earned his bachelor's degree in business through Northern Michigan University and had worked for the Marquette Prison as a corrections officer for 32 years. Marquette is where he lived most of his life and was one of his favorite places on earth.
Bo was an adoring husband to Emily. He cherished caring for her in any way he could. Cooking, barbequing, and preparing food were some of his favorite things to do.
Bo was a doting grandfather. There was nothing he treasured more than to watch sports with Clay, or talk to Clay about his day. Bo also cherished his children, and step children, and enjoyed spending time with them all whenever possible. In his earlier years as a young father, Bo loved to travel with Heather and Rodney Jr. One of his favorite cities to visit was Chicago. Bo also spoke often about how involved he was in hockey when Rodney, Jr. was young.
Bo was a lover of nature and observing its splendor. He enjoyed sitting on the front steps, watching the squirrels, ducks and birds. He also appreciated a good crossword puzzle, a good book, and a good conversation with anyone who was willing, or had the time to talk.
Bo was very proud of his Finnish heritage and he had the stubbornness that came with it. He very much enjoyed breakfast club with the boys and playing a good game of cribbage.
Rodney is survived by his wife, Emily Kleiber Parkkonen; his two children; Heather Parkkonen and Rodney Parkkonen, Jr., his six step-children, Robert (Michelle) Hart, Jennifer Hart, Andrew (Kellie) Hart, Elizabeth Hart, Martin (Rachel) Rice and Molly Rice; seven grandchildren, Clay, Emily, Christian, Hunter, Whyatt, and Jake Hart and Daniel Carranza.
Memorial services for Rodney will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20th followed by visitation until 4 p.m. at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home, 526 N. Third St., Marquette. Chaplain Greg van Hartesvelt will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Rodney's name to The Women's Resource Center in Traverse City or The Women's Center in Marquette.
Tributes
"Dad, I wish I could explain to people why writing to you helps me, but for some reason it does. I guess it's just something they need to deal with. I wrote you a letter a few weeks ago, and there are a few things that really stood out. The truth is, I do miss you and I did love you, but I think I have to let go. I will never forget you or the wonderful things we got to do that many kids never get to, but the bad always seems to outweigh the good. I have decided to let go of the past, dad, so that I can start to live in the present and look towards the future. I do often think it would be easier to hate you, and while I do hate a lot of the things you did, I loved you, and still do. From now on, I've decided to focus on the positives and let all the negatives go-for my sake and for those around me. As always, I hope you are at peace and I miss you. Love you Dad."
"Hey Dad. I just thought I would let you know that I am thinking of you today. I spoke with a mutual friend of ours the other day and she told me that you were always saying how proud you were of Rodney and I and how you wished we could be closer. I want you to know that I wish we could have been as well and that I had known that when you were alive. It seems as though sometimes we hold onto things that happen in the past, when maybe we would do better to let it go and try to forgive. I am sorry that I was unable to do that. As always, I hope that you are at peace and know that no matter what happen and what mistakes we made, I loved you and always wanted you to be happy. It made me so sad because I always felt that something was missing for you...happiness seemed so elusive. I wish there was something I could have done to change that for you. I miss you, dad, and I love you. Heather Joy"
"I can't believe it has been a year since you left us, it feels like only yesterday. There were a lot of times that we didn't see eye to eye and we had our ups and downs, but one thing I always knew was how much you loved me. I wish I had had the chance to say goodbye, to tell you one more time that I love you, but I hope that you know that. I hope you know that no matter what happen, you were my dad and I loved you so much. I hope you are at peace and that you are looking down on Rodney and I and know that we miss you every single day and that we love you so much. You left us with some wonderful memories and you gave us some experiences that some children never get and for that I will always be grateful. I love you Dad and I miss you so very much."
"Rodney & Heather - So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing! Rod, we all know how proud your Dad was of you and all your accomplishments in life. You were a great example of a son that any Dad would want. Heather, your Dad was also so proud of you! You were a wonderful daughter to your Dad and gave him lots to be thankful for in life! I'm sure your Dad knew how special the two of you are! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and hope all the happy memories will get you through the tough days to come. Love Steve and Betsy"
"My thoughts and prayers are with Heather and her family."
"Heather and Rodney - we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Rod and I worked together at MBP for so many years, we shared,we laughed together and we suffered the pain of working side by side in a sometimes unplesant enviroment. I am gonna miss that goofey smile and those wise remarks often made. Rest in peace my brotha"
"I was so surprised and saddened to read that Bo had passed away. I remember years ago Bo introduced me to the Habanero pepper over a beer at JT's Shaft in Marquette. He laughed while I suffered and sweated through the experience. Such a fun person to be with. You'll be missed by many people,Bo. Of this I am sure. I wish you enternal peace."
"Heather I was saddened to see the passing of your father. I know how difficult that can be when a parent passes so unexpectly at such a young age. Prayers are being sent for you and your family during this difficult time. Angela Thompson & Family"
"Dear Emily and Family, I am sorry to hear of Bo's passing. You have endured so much loss in your lives. May you feel the love of God as he gives you strength during these difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Therese"
"What can I say about my best friend Bo. We worked together at Marquette Branch Prison. Bo took me under his wing and showed me the ropes when I was a rookie corrections officer. He was a great man, a great Father and husband and mentor. I will miss you my friend. One day we will see each other again. My prayers go out to the entire Parkkonen family. Kevin Palm and Family Gaylord, MI."
"It will never be the same without Bo at homecoming weekend in Marquette. I will be at the service Saturday and Bo will be with Kevin and Cliff on homecoming weekend October 3 through the grace of the Lord Almighty - still telling us stories and sharing college football memories,trivia and life's reflections. God Bless him, wife Emily and the rest of his family."
"To Emily, Heather, Rod and Family; I just want to say you are all in my thoughts at this difficult time. He was a dear, sweet, funny man and will no doubt be missed by many. Remember the good times and he'll always be with you."
"Heather and Rodney--so sorry to hear about your dad. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!"
"Heather, Nina and Rodney I am shocked to hear about Rod's death. I am sorry that Heather and Rodney have to go through something like this at an early age. I hope you know that the three of you are in my thoughts the last few days and will most certainly be on Saturday. I lived with your father for several years, I loved him then and always will. Again I am sorry for your loss he will be missed."
"I've known Bo since I moved here in 1983. We carpooled, took road trips together,he was my cribbage partner at the Third Base,and we shared many breakfasts at breakfast club. I spent a lot of time with Bo. It was an honor and pleasure to know him and be part of his life. Until we meet again my brother, you will be sadly missed. My prayers and blessings go out to the Parkkonen family. God bless you all. Corey LaPlaunt & Family"
"My mother was Annie Louise Harris, the sister to your Dads biological father, Frances Eugene Harris. Although I never met your Dad, I wondered if you would like some family tree information. Our prayers are with you. Love, Carol and Don"
"Carol, I would love any information that you may have regarding our family tree. You can reach me by e-mail at roparkko_12@yahoo.com. Thank you so much"
"Dear Parkkonen Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Gods promises Have comforted me many times, may they comfort you as well. "He will wipe out every Tear from their eyes, and Death will be no more, neither will Mourning nor pain be anymore. May the "peace of God" be with you at this time. Sincerely. SamPeter.12@Gmail.com"
"I was saddened to hear Rodney had passed away. I worked with "Bo" in the Housing Units and he was my partner my last 4-5 years in the Control Center. "Bo" attended line-up, on my last working day, even though he was retired! That meant alot to me Emily, and I told him so. Lots of memories and laughs. Rest in peace brother Bo. Very sorry I couldn't make it to the Memorial Service. May God's peace be with your family at this difficult time. The Jim Goin family"
"To the Family, May each of you find comfort in knowing that God is "near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." (Psalm 34;18) He has promised to soon "swallow up death forever...and wipe the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25;8) Take care,"
"Well, it has been almost a month since our friend has left us. Tomorrow, October 2, we leave for our annual jaunt to Marquette for NMU's Homecoming. Over the years, it has become less about Homecoming and more about seeing our bud Bo. This year will be different.....we'll still have fun, but it won't be quite the same. The "Base" will be a little quieter this time and that is something we will have to get used to. Bo, I know you will be watching over us and laughing your butt off with us. Say hi to my mom up there, but if you try anything....."
"Hi Em I am so sorry you have to endure this kind of pain. I am just so sorry for your whole family. You are all in my prayers and I am the best prayer there is God Bless you"