Larry Dean Sparks

Larry was born February 6, 1941, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, a son of Clarence and Betty (Springer) Sparks. He was raised in Oskaloosa and graduated from Oskaloosa in 1959. He married, and the couple began raising a family. Early on, Larry began working with his father in the construction industry and at various other jobs. He joined the US Army, serving from 1966 until 1968. Following his honorable discharge, Larry worked at a variety of jobs. He moved to Marquette in 1980, and soon after joined the carpentry and maintenance department at Northern Michigan University, where he was employed until his retirement in 2003. Throughout his life, Larry was passionate about snowmobiling, fast cars, boating, and outdoor activities. He was very outgoing and social, making friends wherever he went. During his free time, he was most often at his lake property on Lake Michigamme.

Larry’s family was most important to him and he is survived by his children, Jeff Sparks of Marquette, Heather (Matt) Fladung of Waukesha, WI, Chris (Erica) Wolf of Rochester, MN, Lisa (Bruce) Lewis of Oskaloosa, IA, and Tim (Ruth) Sparks of University Park, IA; his grandchildren, Hailey Sparks, Kirsten Fladung, Bailey Fladung, Mason Fladung, Owen Fladung, Ethan Wolf, Emerson Wolf, Holly Greenhalgh, Nikki (Andy) Stock; six great-grandchildren; his sister, Trudy (Jim) Hersh in Missouri; brother, Jerry (Nancy) Sparks in Iowa; his honey, Lori Abendroth; best friend, Mark Ruohonen; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Bonita (Londo) Sparks.

A memorial will be announced at a later date.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.