Jeff Parker, beloved husband, father, brother, friend, son and caregiver to so many, passed away on August 28, 2026, after a courageous two-year journey with brain cancer. His life was defined by love, family, laughter, adventure, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved.

Jeff was born in Deadwood, South Dakota, in 1961 to Richard and Kay Parker. Although Richard and Kay knew they were expecting a baby, they had no idea they were expecting twins. Jeff made a surprise entrance, arriving just minutes after his twin sister, Jayne. Jeff grew up in Pierre alongside Jayne and his younger brother, Jay. From an early age, Jeff was active, competitive, and happiest when he was surrounded by friends and family.

Jeff graduated from T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre, where he was a talented athlete. He played baseball, competed in track, and starred as a running back in football, earning All-State honors. Well-liked by everyone, Jeff was also named Homecoming King. And, in a distinction perhaps every bit as memorable, he held a record in Pierre’s legendary buffalo pie-throwing competition, a fitting testament to both his competitive spirit and his willingness to have fun.

More importantly, high school is where Jeff met the love of his life, Teresa. Their early years together were spent on the river – water skiing, boating to Farm Island, spending time with friends, and beginning a relationship that would span the rest of Jeff’s life.

Jeff and Teresa married in 1984 and shared 42 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories. Through all those years, they never stopped referring to each other as “girlfriend” and “boyfriend.” It was playful, but it also captured something true about their marriage: after decades together, they still genuinely enjoyed one another. They were partners, companions, and, above all, best friends.

Jeff attended South Dakota State University for three years before being accepted to Mayo Clinic, where he completed his education in physical therapy. His career took Jeff and Teresa to several places as they built their life and family together: Minnesota; Sioux Falls, where their son Aaron was born; Las Vegas, where their son Shane was born; and Colorado and California, where Jeff served in the United States Air Force.

Eventually, the Parker family returned home to South Dakota and settled in Rapid City, where Jeff and Teresa raised their boys and Jeff spent the remainder of his life.

Jeff was a devoted father to Aaron and Shane. He coached their sports, helped with homework, and made time to play catch with them nearly every day after work, often still wearing his work clothes because spending time with his boys mattered more than changing first. One favorite family memory came from their years in California, when Aaron and Shane would drive a go-kart through the desert while Jeff, Teresa, and their dog, Buddy, ran behind them.

Family adventures were a treasured part of Jeff’s life. As a family, they traveled to Hawaii and all over the Carribean - along with countless other destinations, going on more than 10 cruises together.

Jeff and Teresa loved nothing more than a beautiful beach, warm sunshine, and turquoise water. They treasured time spent walking on the beach relaxing in the sun. Their love of the water eventually led them to purchase a boat they appropriately named Sunshine. Many days and evenings were spent together on Sheridan Lake, enjoying the water, the quiet, and the simple pleasure of being together. Jeff and Teresa shared the love of hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, and simply being outside together.

For many years, Jeff owned a motorcycle, and some beautiful memories were made riding through the beautiful Black Hills with Teresa. They could spend hours together taking in the scenery, enjoying the open road, and appreciating the place they called home.

Jeff was a hard worker with a straightforward, no-nonsense way of communicating. He said what he meant and meant what he said. But beneath that directness was a deeply caring man who was always willing to help. He cared for his patients, his family, his friends, and even people he barely knew.

After decades of working hard and caring for others, Jeff had finally reached retirement. He and Teresa were looking forward to a new chapter. They planned to travel more and dreamed of spending time at all-inclusive resorts where Teresa could teach yoga and exercise classes while they enjoyed beautiful places together, finally free from the schedules and demands of work.

On Jeff and Teresa’s 40th wedding anniversary trip, their lives changed forever when Jeff was diagnosed with brain cancer. Over the following two years, Jeff fought bravely. Teresa stood beside him every step of the way, caring for him every day and doing everything she could to fight for more time, bring him peace, and keep him comfortable.

In the final chapter of his life, Jeff gave his family one of his greatest gifts: a lesson in how to live in the present. Jeff lived a life filled with love, adventure, service, and family. Above all, he showed his sons what it meant to be a good and loving husband. His love for Teresa was evident in everything he did, and their 42 years together were a beautiful testament to the life they built side by side.

Jeff leaves behind his beloved wife and lifelong girlfriend, Teresa; his sons, Aaron (Kelsey) and Shane; his father, Richard; his twin sister, Jayne; his younger brother, Jay (Michelle); his sister-in-law, Tami (Skot); his nieces, Kelsey Kindl, Mikayla Murray, and Kelsey Sampayan; his nephews, Seth, Jacob, and Zach Parsons, Alex Parker, and Kody Ivers; his beloved grandpuppies; and an extended family, dear friends, former patients, and countless others whose lives were made better simply because Jeff was in them.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Kay, who welcomed him home.

Jeff will be deeply loved, forever missed, and always remembered.

Memorial Service will be held on September 8, 2026, at 3pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery (20901 Pleasant Valley Drive, Sturgis, South Dakota, 57785). A procession will leave Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. 

A celebration of Jeff’s life will begin at 5pm on September 8, 2026, at Sol Vibe (5734 Sheridan Lake Road, Suite 204, Rapid City, South Dakota 57702) where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Jeff over light hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

In loving memory of Jeff. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to help create a memorial bench in Jeff's honor - a place where friends and family can sit, remember and feel close to him. Donations may be sent to Teresa Parker (605-381-6053); (Venmo @Teresa-Parker-89). Thank you for helping us keep his memory somewhere we can all return to.