Parker Montgomery

Parker James Montgomery, son of Jeffrey and Bobbi (Hill) Montgomery, was born on March 4, 1999, in Detroit Lakes, MN. Parker grew up in Alexandria and attended First Lutheran Church. He played soccer and hockey throughout his elementary, junior, and much of high school years. Always one to try new things, he joined the swim team as a Junior with no experience other than passing level 3 swim lessons in third grade. Wanting to continue being part of the team, but hoping to get by with less cardio during practice, he switched to the Dive team as a Senior, enduring the pain of many belly flops along the way but always having fun. He knew he was never born to be a champion athlete, but he thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and relationships he developed with all his teammates and coaches over the years. Parker was involved with DECA and was part of the student “Genius Team” helping students and the school with technology and computers at Alexandria Area High School before graduating in the class of 2017. Parker continued his education at the University of St. Thomas, graduating with degrees in Business and Economics in 2021. He eagerly moved to Aurora Colorado in the fall of 2021, where he was employed at a car dealership doing car sales and marketing, while interviewing for Financial positions to start his career. He loved Colorado and was lucky enough to meet new friends and have roommates who became like a second family to him. He adopted a Husky/German Shepard who was a great companion and source of joy for him while he was there.

Early on Parker showed a great affinity for computers and gaming. From playing “Big Tonka” simulator games as a 3 year old, to literally learning how to read by necessity so he could communicate to navigate and forge new worlds playing Runescape, he was all in. His mom shares his love of Video games and they played for hours together until his skill quickly surpassed hers, and he moved onto more complex games played online with friends he made around the world, like so many other kids of his age. In high school, he loved hosting LAN parties in the basement, where his equally geeky friends would bring their computer systems and set up so many tables and monitors that the place looked like the Cybersecurity division of the Department of Homeland security. They would stay up all night laughing, eating pizza, while defeating the monsters, zombies, dragons and opposing armies online together. He was self taught in computer coding and went on to recode games from one system to another and built his own computers. He even used these skills teaching computer gaming and coding summer classes to children in the Metro, and it was evident he loved sharing his passion and usefulness for technology to inspire the kids. With his limitless ability to manipulate computers and technology, his occasional youthful antics were a cause for many lectures and endless worry for his parents, which he would charm his way out of because you just couldn’t stay mad at him.

Parker's smile would light up a room, and his quick wit, charismatic character, and fun personality would make it easy for him to connect with just about anyone. He found a friend in everyone he met, and was interested to hear everyone's story. Parker loved to spend time on the lake, playing outdoor games, hiking, fly fishing, playing bags and hiking with friends and family. He was a deep thinker and loved studying and debating US and world events, cultural influences, movies and predicting market trends in many sectors. He had a penchant for designer fashion and streetwear, and loved the challenge of purchasing items he could hold and resell for profit later.

Family was the most important part of Parker’s life. His little sister Kennedy, whom he called “Big Hoss”, was the recipient of his teasing and hugs in equal measure. He was extremely proud of her, was her trusted confidant, and one of her favorite people to spend time with. They shared secrets and he was her first call when she wanted to complain about their parents, in true sibling fashion. Parker loved his dad Jeff, and deeply admired him more than he was able to convey. They shared many traits, from his sharp mind and crazy math skills, quick wit and affable nature, these similarities were a source of great connection between them. He loved to tell his dad about his schemes and his newest “side hustle”. They loved to talk about markets, stocks, investments and politics. He humbled his Dad at the ping pong table on every holiday. Mostly, Parker was a self-professed Momma’s boy. He would talk to her every day and tell her everything, often in more detail than she wanted to know. He loved her dearly, and ended each day with a “Night momma, love you” text to reassure her he was alright. He was a devoted son, brother and friend, who was so deeply loved and returned that love to his family and friends always. With his broad shoulders, he gave the best hugs which will always be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to receive them.

Parker James Montgomery died on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at the Medical Center of Aurora in Aurora, CO at the age of 22 years old. He is survived by his loving parents, Jeffrey and Bobbi Montgomery of Alexandria; sister Kennedy Montgomery of Alexandria; grandfather, James Hill of West Fargo, ND; grandmother, Evelyn Montgomery of Breckenridge; uncle, Tim (Susan) Montgomery of El Monte, CA, aunts, Becky Imsande of Alexandria, Liz (Paul) Mumm of Wahpeton, ND, and Mary (Jim) Engels of Jamestown, ND; and many cousins and friends. Parker was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Lois Montgomery; grandmother, Linda Hill, and an uncle Rod (Becky) Imsande.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 11 AM First Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

Parker’s funeral service will be livestreamed on his obituary page on the funeral home’s website.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

A Private Family Interment will take place at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to donors choice.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory. www.andersonfuneral.net