Eric Shane Parbel

In the early winter months of 1971 anticipation was building at the Parbel Homestead on Blueberry Dr. NW, Grand Rapids for the birth of a sixth child. John and Dolores Parbel already had a family of five daughters, Debbie (1958), Ruth (1960), Ginny (1963), June (1965) and Mary Kay (1968). Many wagers would be placed, betting that a SIXTH daughter would be added to the family. On Friday March 19, 1971 a new age began for the Parbels when a baby boy was finally born! John was hedging toward the name Charlie after a childhood friend, but it came to be that Eric Shane was the chosen name for the only son of John & Dolores Parbel. Lots of laughter would erupt around the dinner table with little Eric entertaining his sisters with his silly boy antics and growing vocabulary. With a large extended family many memorable holiday parties took place at their home. The backyard pool also made for a fun place to gather and play with school friends and neighborhood buddies. In grade school at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Eric started to take an interest in drawing, creating greeting cards for his family’s birthdays and holidays. He continued to follow his interest in art at Union High School where he graduated in 1989. His education in the Art world continued at Grand Rapids Junior College where he earned an Associate Degree, and then a Bachelor of Fine at Arts Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Both degrees were in painting and drawing. After graduation he moved back to Grand Rapids and continued to be involved in the arts. Eric was an instructor at The New School of Fine Art and The Kendall college of Art And Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Eric also co-organized, juried and curated three national fine art competitions. His artwork had been exhibited throughout West Michigan and beyond. Eric’s style of painting used dramatic color palettes and sometimes over-dramatic scenery to guide the viewer toward a better understanding of his commentary. Eric enjoyed immersing himself in art, creating his own, participating in art shows and educating himself in other mediums. During this period of his life he ran a small business called “Universal Joint” offering custom framing. Eric became a family man after he married Erica Ecker in 2001, embracing her young daughter, Cecilia as one of his own. They welcomed their first son, Nicholas Karl Parbel in 2004. Six years later their second son was born, Alexander Shane Parbel. Eric loved his little family remaining on the Westside of Grand Rapids. Regular Saturday morning trips to the library, whipping up new recipes and choosing their Halloween superhero costumes were activities Eric enjoyed with his sons. To support his family, he acquired a CDL license and drove delivery trucks for different companies over the last 20 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dolores (Burns) Parbel. Eric’s family will meet with friends on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 4 - 7 pm at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries Remembrance Chapel, 3525 Remembrance Rd N.W., Walker, MI 49534. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 11:00 am, 2510 Richmond St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Friends may visit with Eric’s family an hour prior to this. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Eric’s memory to his son’s college funds. Donations can be made on Venmo to his sister, Ruth at @R-Parbel. Eric will always be remembered by family and friends for his corny jokes and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by those he loved and those who loved him. Rest in Peace, Eric Shane.

Tributes

Eric Shane Parbel

March 19, 1971 - February 23, 2025