2005 Assembly Joint Resolution 75
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Thomas J. Parker.
Whereas, Thomas J. Parker was born on June 7, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and died on January 1, 2006, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Thomas J. Parker was a machinist and lifelong union man who worked tirelessly for workers' rights, which often included union involvement in political campaigns which enabled him to meet 7 different presidents; and
Whereas, Thomas J. Parker called Milwaukee home. He attended Marquette University High School before graduating from St. Pius XI High School in 1958; and
Whereas, Thomas J. Parker married Marie Fedder on May 12, 1962, and celebrated 43 years of marriage with her until his death. Together they had 7 children; and
Whereas, Thomas J. Parker began as a machinist at Allis-Chalmers and other firms before settling at Miller Brewery where he worked from 1962 to 1973, except during the years he served active duty stateside with the army. He continued his military service in the Army Reserve until 1969; and
Whereas, Thomas J. Parker began his union service in 1973 as the full-time secretary-treasurer of the Machinists Union Lodge 66. In addition to managing the local union, he often problem solved for other lodges in the Midwest at the request of the International Machinists Union; and
Whereas, Thomas J. Parker was elected to the post of president of the Milwaukee County Labor Council in 1978, which then represented more than 96,000 workers with about 200 AFL-CIO locals. He was reelected every 2 years until he stepped down in 1999, taking with him his own style of leadership to the post, which was aggressive when needed, but mostly quiet and dignified; and
Whereas, Thomas J. Parker served on a wide variety of boards, committees, and commissions, including the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Forward Wisconsin, the City of Milwaukee Plan Commission, the Aurora Health Care board of directors, the Bradley Center construction board, the American Red Cross, and his favorite, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee, for which he served one year as chair; and
Whereas, Thomas J. Parker was an inspiration to many, lived and loved the labor movement, was well known for his straight-thinking logic and honesty, fought and cared for the underdog and people who needed help in order to make the world a better place; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature commend the devoted public service Thomas J. Parker contributed to this state and his union brotherhood, express their sorrow at his death, and extend condolences to his family and friends; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to Mr. Parker's wife, Marie, and their 7 children, Jean Marsicek, Susan Gilles, Peggy Rogalinski, Julie Ferkovich, Patricia Bessmer, Amy Parker, and Michael Parker, and to his brothers Edward and Bernard.
