Family, friends say farewell to NIU shooting victim Parmenter
Dan Parmenter's fraternity brothers stood shoulder to shoulder to say goodbye in unison to their buddy.
More than 50 members of the Northern Illinois University chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity paid a final tribute to their friend at Tuesday's funeral in Oak Brook. They stood solemnly quiet in two rows as Parmenter's casket passed by on its way to a waiting hearse, trailed by his mourning family members.
Parmenter was one of five NIU students killed by a gunman Thursday who opened fire during an afternoon class in a lecture hall.
Ministers at Oak Brook's Christ Church addressed the confusion of the senseless tragedy but aimed to reassure the audience that their memories of the 20-year-old sophomore from Westchester will ensure he lives on.
"He was not afraid of the front row of life; he leaned into life," the Rev. Daniel Myers said. "We should celebrate the way his life was used to bless ours."
One of Parmenter's fraternity brothers recounted the details of his friend's final moments where he tried to use his 6-foot-5-inch, 250-pound frame to shield his girlfriend from the gunman's bullets and prayed with her before succumbing to his wounds. Parmenter's girlfriend, Lauren Debrauwere, was shot twice but survived her injuries and is expected to recover.
"It's the greatest story I've ever heard," Josh Boldt said. "I've stopped thinking about how he passed, but how he led the greatest life and helped make me the man I am."
Recollections from his friends and family were filled with more laughter and hope than sadness.
"I know the short life he lived was a full one and not one that he would change," fraternity brother Mike Bauer said. "He was my best friend, and I found someone to sing out loud with to our favorite songs, no matter how bad our voices were."
Parmenter's sister Kristen said she would normally lean on her brother to get her through a tragedy like this.
"But he'll get me through this as well," she said.
A final funeral service for Parmenter is planned for 11a.m. today in Taylor Ridge, near the Quad Cities, where the family is originally from.