Parker James Bracken

Parker James Bracken, age 76, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society - Comforcare in Austin. Parker was born on December 20, 1949, in Austin, Minnesota, to Evelyn Lorraine (Meyer) and James Craig Bracken.

After graduation, Parker married Pam Buxton and started working at Hormel Foods. Parker and his family transferred to Fremont, Nebraska, from 1975 to 1982 and then returned to Austin. Parker attended Austin VoTech for welding and later started his own lawn service and snow‑removal business.

On August 26, 1989, Parker married the love of his life, Maxine Marie Halvorson (Maxfield). The couple made their home in Austin. They enjoyed winters in Lake Havasu, Arizona, and summers at their camper in Lanesboro, Minnesota, at the Old Barn Resort.

Parker enjoyed early mornings at the YMCA, reading scripture, riding his bike, golfing, and breakfast with his friends. Parker adored his grandchildren and loved attending their basketball games, dance competitions, choir concerts, and wrestling matches. An activity that Parker held dear was the yearly visits to the Renaissance Festival with all of his kids and grandkids. The weekend was full of fun and always ended with a family sleepover followed by blueberry pancakes and brunch the next day.

Parker is survived by his children, Lisa Marie Elliott of Apple Valley, MN, David James (Sherry) Bracken of Austin, MN, James Parker Bracken of Austin, MN, and Justin Thomas Halvorson of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Jasmine Marie of Prague, Julia Lauren of Scottsdale, AZ, Parker Matthew of Grand Junction, CO, Rose Catherine of Austin, MN, and Harrison James of Austin, MN; brother, Bobby (Larkie) Bracken; sister, Mary Jo (Drew) Witteborg; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn Lorraine and James Craig Bracken; wife, Maxine Marie Bracken; and brother, Patrick (Jane) Bracken.

A Celebration of Life for Parker James will be held from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. Private family burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.