Billie Marie Parker, age 79, of Waupaca, Wisconsin passed away on Tuesday, April 15th, 2014 at Appleton Medical Center.
She was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin on September 12, 1934, a daughter of the late William and Dorothy (Korn) Murphy. Billie graduated from Chippewa Falls McDonnel High School, and attended Wisconsin State University in Stevens Point. On November 29, 1952 she married Orville Pomerenke, they later divorced. She married Raymond (Hammy) Parker on May 2, 1975 in Waupaca. Billie was proud of her Native American heritage, and like her mother was a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe of the Chippewa Indians. She worked over the years as a bartender in many local establishments, including the Uptown Bowling Lanes, CQ Bar, and Wally World in King, to name a few. Billie was a voracious reader, often finishing several books in a single week. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, and watching Jeopardy with her beloved husband Ray was a nightly ritual. She was a lifelong Cubs fan, and to her son Bill’s dismay, a dedicated Packers fan as well. Billie teamed up with her daughters and daughters-in-law in pool and dart leagues for many years. A skilled sheepshead player, she taught several of her children the game. She also enjoyed cross stitch projects until her arthritis forced her to stop. Billie was an excellent cook and baker; she enjoyed treating the family to her noodle candy, fudge, and other home-made sweets during the holidays. She will always be remembered for the mac and cheese and hot dogs that she made every Friday night when babysitting her grandchildren.
Billie is survived by her husband Raymond, Waupaca; her children: William (Pamela) Pomerenke, Scandinavia; Lorie (John) Witzeling, Waupaca; Linda (Larry) Mundt, Weyauwega; Wayne (Tammy) Pomerenke, Scandinavia; Kelly (Robert) Hansen, Waupaca; and Lisa (Greg) Schulke, Waupaca; grandchildren: Melissa (Scott) Miller, Norman Pomerenke, Jeremy (Patricia) Pomerenke, Andrew (Sandra) Mundt, Rhonda Mundt, Jason (Jessie) Mundt, William (Amanda) Mundt, Michael Pomerenke, Mandie (Luke Anderson) Pomerenke, Matthew (Nicole) Pomerenke, Miranda (Jason Jashinsky) Pomerenke, Bradley Schulke, Nicolaus Schulke, Wendy (Seth) Kizewski, Karyn (Sean) Gabrielson, and many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is further survived by her sister Kathleen (Lenny) Goettl, Chippewa Falls, and her brothers, Patrick Murphy, St. Paul, MN and Michael Murphy, Oshkosh. Billie is especially missed by Harvey, her constant companion and lap-warmer, who cannot understand why Mommy doesn’t come home. Billie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Dorothy Murphy, and sisters: Carol Gerhardt, Marilyn (Frank) Bowman, and Colleen (Richard) Bleskey,
In accordance with Billie’s wishes, cremation has occurred, and no funeral service is planned. A memorial celebration may follow at a later date. Holly Funeral Home, Waupaca, is assisting the family with arrangements.