Richard M. Parbst

RICHARD M. PARBST MUNSTER, IN Richard M. Parbst, age 86, Munster, IN passed away May 5, 2012. He was born and raised in Hammond, IN by Max Otto Parbst and Clara Mason Parbst. He was a 1944 graduate of Hammond High School and served in the US Navy aboard the USS Carina. He followed in his father's footsteps and became a projectionist by trade. He was Business Agent of Local 125 I.A.T.S.E. for most of his career and Secretary of the 8th District of I.A.T.S.E. for many years, earning Gold Card status. He was an active member of the Orak Shrine since 1953, participating in the Drum and Bugle Corp and serving as Potentate in 1978. He served on the Board of Directors of the Shriners Hospital for Children and was honored as an Emeritus Member. He belonged to the Royal Order of Jesters Court 43. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a member of the Scottish Rite. He belonged to American Legion Post 168 of Hammond, IN for 65 years. Richard was on the Captain's Table of Pirate, Inc. In addition to his many philanthropic activities, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He is survived by his loving wife, Lois Jeanne (VandeVort); son, Richard Max Parbst of New York, NY; daughter, Kaia (Brian) McShane of Munster, IN; stepdaughters: Linda (Tom) Farris of Muncie, IN and Paula Dietrich of Petaluma, CA; grandchildren: Kelly (Nick) McShane Colby, Megan and Evan McShane, Courtney and Justin (Emily) Farris, Jeffrey, Nikolas, Alexandra and Samuel Levenberg; great grandchildren: Audrey and Lucy Colby and Vincent Farris. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN with a Masonic service at 7:00 PM. A private funeral will be held for family only on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 with Reverend Steven Conger officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriners Hospital for Children, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, www.alzfdn.org.com, Harbor Lights Hospice of Crown Point, www.haborlighthospice.com would be appreciated.