Margaret Rose (Kobs) Parks

Margaret Rose “Marge” Parks peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 89 years. 

She was born Margaret Rose Kobs on February 15, 1936 in Nashville, TN to August and Elsie (Brunke) Kobs.

She grew up in the Milwaukee area and after graduation worked at various places including American Airlines. While at a training session for American Airlines in Kansas City, she met Air Force Airman Donald Parks. They eventually married and Marge became a military wife. Travelling and living at multiple bases around the U.S. while raising her family, Marge met other military wives and families. At one military base she took a cake decorating class and then began teaching cake decorating to others, including all four of her children and a daughter-in-law. She continued teaching classes and making professional grade cakes well into her 70’s. Cakes were created for every occasion, including wedding cakes for three of her children.

After retiring from the military, the family settled in Atwater, CA. Margaret became a very involved member of Atwater Baptist Church. She continued to teach cake decorating classes to Castle Air Force Base military wives and others in the community. Marge also worked as the Atwater Baptist Church secretary for a few years. She was Girl Scout leader for several decades and in charge of the Scout Store in Merced, CA. She then worked for 23 years as an instructional aide at Mitchell K-6 Elementary School, Atwater School District, where she was well loved by staff and students alike. Marge retired from the school district in June of 2013 at the age of 77.

Marge’s home was her pride and joy. It was custom built for the family on two acres of almond orchard land just outside of Atwater. During the 38 years living at the family home, Marge completely landscaped the entire lot. It was informally referred to as “The Parks’ Park”. Eventually her home was placed on the “Parks and Garden Destination Tour” for beautiful ornamental arrangements, colors, and form. Her son Thomas even held his wedding in the backyard.

One of Marge’s personal missions was welcoming people into her home. Her children and their friends would gather there after school. Family from out of state came and were given a place to stay.
Young homesick military men and widows from church were invited for holidays, parties, and celebrations. Her home was a place of comfort, belonging, and unconditional welcome - there was always room at Marge’s table.

In September of 2013, due to age and health concerns, Margaret made the decision to sell her beloved home in Atwater, CA and move back to Wisconsin. This allowed her to be near her sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Harold Utke, and her son Dean and his family.

Margaret is preceded in death by oldest son: Dale Parks, brother: Arthur Kobs, sister: Elsie Utke, and her parents. She is survived by Donald Parks, son: Dean (Pamela) Parks of Iola, WI, daughter: Karen Parks of Lake Stevens, WA, son: Thomas (Ellie) Parks of Walnut Creek, CA; grandchildren: Aaron Taylor, Ryan (Noelle) Parks, Daniel Parks, Andrew Parks, Ethan Parks, Lexi Parks.

The Parks family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Waupaca Elder Care, the hospice nurses, the Community Care team; and Waupaca 1st Assembly for the love and support given to Margaret - a wonderful mom and grandmother who will be greatly missed.

Margaret will be laid to rest at Winton Cemetery District in Winton, CA.

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