Lotte Parlet. Courtesy photo.

Lotte Parlet
Aug. 6, 1933 – May 30, 2025

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lotte Parlet, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and matriarch, passed away on May 30, 2025, surrounded by family at the age of 91.

Born in Nuremberg, Germany, to Marie and Felix Elmer, Lotte’s early years were marked by the hardships of World War II. She endured the devastation of Allied bombings and the subsequent destruction of her hometown. In the challenging years that followed, she subsisted on minimal rations, demonstrating resilience and fortitude.

Around 1950, during the American occupation of Germany, Lotte met a young U.S. serviceman, Ken Parlet Sr. Their connection blossomed into a lasting love, and after marrying in her hometown, they moved to California’s San Luis Obispo County. There, Ken began his civilian life as a cowboy on horseback before transitioning to a career in the grocery business. Lotte pursued a successful career in the emerging electronics industry, contributing to the early days of telecommunications.

In June 1970, Ken and Lotte took a significant step by purchasing the Lakeport Purity Store in Lake County, pooling their savings to invest in the business. Over the years, they expanded their operations, acquiring additional stores in Clearlake and Lucerne. Lotte managed bookkeeping and household responsibilities while raising their children, Kenny and Lindy.

Following the downsizing of Lakeview Market, the family focused on the Lucerne location, where Lotte continued her bookkeeping work for the next 40 years. Her dedication played a pivotal role in Lakeview’s success, culminating in the recognition as Progressive Grocer’s Outstanding Independent Meat Retailer of 2018.

After Ken Sr.’s passing in 2008, Lotte continued to work until her late 80s, embodying the values of thrift, love and close family ties that she learned during her early life in war-torn Germany. In her later years, she moved away from her home out in Scotts Valley to live with her daughter and son-in-law, where she enjoyed assisting with daycare children, affectionately known as “Grandma” by all. We all believed that the eight years being at home with her daughter kept her young.

Lotte is survived by her daughter, Lindy Hamner and son-in-law, Danny; her son, Kenny and his wife, Deana; grandchildren, Dannille and Christopher Clark, Lindsey Hamner, Mickayla and Ashley Burnett, Aaron Parlet, Ariana Parlet, and Jamie and Johnny Gozony; and great-grandchildren, Jordan, Johnny, Ayliah, Angie, Monique, Gia and Anthony. She is also survived by her sister, Hilda.

Lotte’s legacy is one of strength, compassion and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.