Denise Marlene Park

Denise Marlene Park (Nicholas), age 69, of Carroll, IA, passed away July 27, 2025.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at the Rippey Cemetery in Rippey, IA, with Chaplain Angelo Luis officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

She was born on March 18, 1956 in Iowa City, IA, to William "Bill" and Karen (Clark) Nicholas. She spent most of her formative years in Chattanooga, TN. She grew up with her 2 younger sisters, Rhonda and Lori, and her uncle, Frank Nicholas, whom she saw as an older brother. After graduating from Red Bank High School in 1974, she attended CSTCC for 2 years before moving back to Iowa in 1976. She spent time working at her grandparent’s, Don and Lucille Clark, bar in Bayard, IA, where she met her future husband. Denise and Michael Kent Park of Scranton, IA, were united in marriage on June 18, 1977. Together, they had 3 children: Kristi, Kelly, and Kyle. During the early years of their marriage, they moved around a lot while Denise worked and attended college. She graduated from Buena Vista University in 1987 with a BA in Education and a minor in language arts and math. In December 1988, the family packed up and moved to Weslaco, TX where a teaching position was waiting for her. Denise worked for Weslaco Independent School District, mainly teaching 5/6 graders reading and language arts, for 23 years until her early retirement in 2011. She moved back to Iowa to care for her ailing mother until her passing a short time later. Denise lived in her parent's home in Jamaica for a short time after moving back, until moving to Jefferson for several years, then ultimately Carroll. She enjoyed getting together with family and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. Anyone that knew her, knew her favorite color was purple for the Weslaco Panthers and she loved wearing Crocs. She liked binge watching all types of shows, playing games on her phone, or keeping up with friends and family on social media. A favorite past time of hers was crocheting blankets, crossword puzzles and going to trivia in Jefferson with family. After suffering from various health issues through the years, she went on hospice with St. Anthony Regional Hospital.

Denise is survived by her children: Kristi Wiederien (Ronnie) of Glidden, IA, Kelly Park (Matt S.) of Glidden, IA, and Kyle Park (Kelsey) of Sac City, IA; grandchildren: Aaron (Abby G.), AJ (Ashley D.), and Austin Rodriguez; Trent and Megan Wiederien; Devin (Dakota S.), Christopher (Lexi), and Alexa Villalobos; Lilly and Michael Park; great grandchildren: Asher and Isaac Rodriguez, Journee and Aspyn Villalobos, Gio Alvarez, and Aubrey Rodriguez; sisters, Rhonda Nelson (Curt) of Sun City, AZ, and Lori Trout (Rob) of Peoria, AZ; uncle, Frank Nicholas (Arsenio J.) of Elizabeth, NJ; many other uncles, aunts, nieces, nephew, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Karen Nicholas; grandparents, Don and Lucille Clark and Norman and Ella Mae Nicholas; aunts: Norma Hull, Alice Naylor, and Marlene Bennink; uncles: Ed, Wayne, and Robert Nicholas.