Donald Robert Parzych

Donald Robert Parzych, age 90, of Duluth passed away on April 27, 2024, just 8 days shy of his ninety-first birthday. He was the second of five children born on the family farm in Wentworth, WI on May 5, 1933 to Stanley and Beatrice Parzych. When born, he weighed less than four pounds and coined with the nickname ‘Pee Wee’ which stuck his entire life.

Don’s family moved to Superior, WI when he was a young boy. After high school he was drafted at age 20 into the United States Army during the Korean War. Don moved to Duluth, MN after marrying Patricia Luczak in 1956, and they had a son, James, in 1965.

In Duluth, Don began what would become a lifelong career at Westinghouse-Eastern Electric for 40 years working on large-scale motors for ships, dams, and manufacturing. He bowled on the church league, took numerous fishing trips, and enjoyed watching sports. He was a lifelong member of St. Josephat’s Polish National Catholic Church and served on the board. Later in life, Don liked exploring the country by visiting his son and daughter-in-law, vacationing in Florida, and took bus tours with his extended family. His ashes are interred at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery - Saginaw.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Merlin Parzych, Russell Parzych, Stanley ‘Sonny’ Parzych; sister-in-laws Bernice ‘Dodo’ Zelazny, Delores Parzych, Fern Luczak-McGee, Hazel Parzych, Lucille ‘LuLu’ Zimbeck, Phyllis Peterson, Vivian ‘Margie’ Thoreson; brother-in-laws Calvin Bohren, Chester Luczak, Leo Zelazny, Leonard Luczak, LeRoy ‘Pete’ Peterson, Robert Zimbeck; and nephew Ronald ‘Buckey’ Clark.

Don is survived by his wife, son, daugher-in-law Suzanne Parzych; sister Lois Clark; sister-in-laws Audrey Michelizzi, Claria Parzych, Gerry Bohren, Helen Luczak, Marie Luczak; brother-in-laws Jerry Michelizzi, Ronald Clark; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews (who remember his jokes and bird whistles).