I have parents who need to reapply for their German passports but can not go to the consulate in Chicago due to my father having had a stroke last year and a 3 drive is too much for him. We know we can do a yearly renewal but it is much cheaper to do a 10 year. So what can we do?

Call their number tell them one has medical complication that requires no travel. I'm sure you can get help maybe they'll schedule it on the phone.