Donald Parizek died peacefully on January 7, 2020, at the Oaks in Battle Creek; after a yearlong decline in health. Don was born in Chicago on September 15, 1933. He attended high school and Concordia Teachers College in Seward, NE. He enjoyed a long and varied career in Chicago in sales, credit and traffic management. Don retired in 1997. He moved to Battle Creek in 2006, after the loss of his long-time partner Doris Benzik. He found his second home at Bedford Manor while enjoying billiards and cards at Burnham Brook. He was an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver. He collected art and die cast car models which he displayed proudly. Don’s greatest area of pride: was 30+ years of sobriety until his death, one day at a time, due to support of Alcoholic Anonymous fellowship.

He was blessed with three children, three step children and 10 grandchildren. His daughters Julie Parizek, Leslie (Greg) Hartoonian; stepsons Richard (Brenda) Benzik, and Allen Benzik live in Chicago; son David Parizek, of Racine WI, and stepson David (Mary Ellen) Benzik reside in Battle Creek; grandchildren, James Benzik, Nicholas Benzik, Megan Benzik, Justin Benzik, Graham Hartoonian, Pheobe Hartoonian , Matthew Benzik, Elizabeth Benzik, Alex Parizek , and Helena Parizek. He is also survived by his sister, Charlotte (Jim) Belke.

In accordance with Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Rd. on Saturday January 18, 2020, from 2-6pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald's name may be made at www.cancer.org or at the funeral home. Ashes will be interred in Chicago, next to his partner Doris at Woodlawn Cemetery. A gathering in Chicago will be scheduled in the spring to celebrate his life with family and friends in the Chicago area.


“Easy Does It – One Day at a Time”






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