Faye Ellen (Oestreich) Parsons was born on March 29, 1949, to Carl and Gladys (Eckert) Oestreich in Watertown, Wisconsin. She was the seventh of eight children born to Carl and Gladys. Faye was baptized on May 1, 1949, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Concord, Wisconsin.

Faye was raised on her parents’ farm until the age of nine, when the family moved to the village of Sullivan. She graduated from Lakeside Lutheran High School in 1967. While living in Sullivan, she met the love of her life, Robert (“Bob”) Parsons, and they were married on January 18, 1969.

Their 57 years of marriage took them to many places and 13 different mailing addresses. The strength of their marriage was their mutual love for Jesus, their Savior, who guided them through many joys, challenges, trials, and changes. Looking back over those years, it is easy to see God’s never-failing promises and His sure guidance.

Together they raised four children. The first two were born on Guam, where Faye accompanied Bob during his three-year tour with the U.S. Navy. After returning home from Guam, they lived in various places throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. In 1986, they moved to Eagle River, Wisconsin, where they owned and operated Northern Glass Co. and opened The Paint Bucket, where for 11 years she was affectionately known as “The Paint Lady.”

Faye’s language was love for everyone, mixed with a good bit of sassy kidding. Just ask her family and those who knew her. She especially loved and enjoyed her grandchildren, who brought her great joy. Along with her deep love for her Savior, she dearly loved her church and her family of fellow Christians. Through weekly Bible studies, she formed many lifelong friendships and close ties with her sisters in the faith.

Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Gladys Oestreich; her siblings: Neil (Katherine), Janet (Charles) Bahr, Lois (Don) Northey, Charles (Nancy), Ralph (Bonnie), and Stuart (Judy); and her daughter-in law, Jill Ehrenberg Parsons.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; her four children: Eric (Jennifer), Todd (Megan), Chad (Tracy), and Sara (Aaron) Bauer; brother, Glenn (Donna); 18 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Faye will take place on Friday June 5, 2026, at 11:00am, at St Matthew Lutheran Church, 129 S Mason Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established to reflect Faye’s many passions.