Juel Hartje Parker

Juel (Hartje) Parker, at 94 joyous years young, passed away peacefully at Harbor Chase Senior Living of Beavercreek, Ohio on October 30, 2020. Born on October 26, 1926 in International Falls, MN, Juel entered the world with a positive spirit and passion for life and living it to its fullest, and that she did. Juel learned the values of faith, family, and hard work being raised on a farm as the third daughter of Adolph and Amalia Hartje along with her sisters Fern (Creely), Beverly (Johnson), and Viola (Mellum), whom she survived. She moved to Washington, D.C. at the age of 19 to be with her sister Fern. She fell in love with the city and her future husband, Thomas (“Tom”) Parker, with whom she is reunited in heaven. She dedicated her life to raising her three children - Thomas W., Randall B., and Kristal L. (Drago), and welcoming her daughters-in-law Becky and Michelle and her son-in-law Chuck, and grandchildren, Tyler E. Parker and Ashley M. Parker into her loving family.

A long-time resident of Northern Virginia (Arlington, Falls Church, and Ashburn), Juel enjoyed and took advantage of the endless opportunities that the D.C. metro area provided for her family and friends. Teaching Sunday School to pre-school children at Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington, VA for nearly 43 years, was one of the cherished highlights of her life. She worked for 42 years at the International Trade Commission (ITC) in Washington, D.C., where she rose professionally from a secretary to the Commissioner’s Executive Assistant, spanning six Presidential administrations. She then spent several years working for Political Advisors - Strother and Associates working on gubernatorial and presidential campaigns (including Bill Clinton’s) and volunteering for her local homeowner’s association boards.

Juel also knew how to have fun and put worries aside. She loved God, her family, and friends and everyone loved Juel. She loved watching the Washington Redskins NFL team, playing tennis and golf, going on Caribbean cruises, and dining out with friends and family. Best known for her infectious good spirit, hugs, and ability to laugh at herself - she truly represents the consummate positive attitude that shines in everyone. She will be missed, but she is now an angel and will live on in the kindness she shared and the love she brought into so many lives. We love you Mom.

Her family is grateful for the love and support provided by so many throughout the Northern Virginia and Dayton, Ohio communities. There will be a private memorial service on Monday, November 9 at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Centerville, OH. The Christian Burial and internment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her loving husband, Tom.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Juel’s honor to Community Lutheran Church (21014 Whitfield Pl, Sterling, VA 20165, 703-430-6006), Communitylutheran.org or The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com