F. Parker Geesen

Parker Geesen, 84, of Phoenix, AZ passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2016. Parker was born on Apr. 13, 1932 in Seward, Nebraska to Leonard and Margaret (Parker) Geesen. He graduated from Seward High School in 1950 and continued his education at the University of Nebraska, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law and Juris Doctor Degree in Law. Determined to leave the snow for sunny California, Parker settled in Los Angeles and began his career with Union Bank in 1956. In 1957, Parker met the love of his life, Sydney Tanner, and they married in 1963. His 30 year banking career ended in 1986, at which point he was Vice President of Wells Fargo’s Trust Department in Beverly Hills. He then moved to Tacoma, Washington where he spent the final 11 years of his career as an Executive with The Frank Russell Co. Following retirement, Parker and Sydney moved to the Phoenix area, and he built his beloved beach retreat in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, where he enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and drinking an occasional Margarita on his sunset deck. A devoted Catholic, die hard Cornhusker and committed community servant wherever he lived, Parker was involved in a number of civic groups and charities over the years. Organizations close to his heart included the Hidden Hills (CA) Horsemen, St. Anne’s Maternity Home, Century City Rotary, Tacoma Gyro Club, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Parker is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sydney, sons Andrew (Margaret) of Agoura Hills, CA, and Eric of Calabasas, CA, as well as three beautiful grandchildren. He was predeceased by son Patrick and sisters Gretchen (West) and Sandra (Potter). A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 pm on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 4715 N. Central in Phoenix. Services entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 13600, Phoenix, AZ 85002 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.