Alvin D. Sparks
October 8, 1919 – November 4, 2010
“When we are born, we meet people whom we think will be with us for our entire life’s journey. These people are our parents.”
“Our parents are with us for as long as we absolutely need them. They too have journeys they must complete. We live on with the memories of their love, affection, friendship, guidance and their ever presence.”
Alvin Delaus Sparks was born October 8th, 1919 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Walter Asa and Alma (Berger) Sparks. Al was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Lee Sparks and the true love of his life, Lillian Maxine (Hartman)Sparks. Al was truly a free spirit. After graduating South Milwaukee High School in 1939, he left his farm home in Milwaukee to join the Army Air Corp on August 12, 1941. While stationed at Scottfield, IL Al met Maxine and after a six month courtship, the two were married on May 2, 1942, thus starting their 62 year life journey together.
Not long after their marriage, Al was sent abroad during WWII. He was a tail gunner with the 390th Bombing Group on a B-17 (Cabin in the Sky) that was shot down over France. There were few survivors of the plane crash. Al was one of the survivors, suffering a broken back and then imprisoned in Stalag 1X C for 357 days before his “escape” back into American arms.
Born to Al and Maxine Sparks were 3 daughters, Sharron Ann, Virginia Carol and Donna Lee. There was a great deal of travel for the Sparks family due to Al’s military service, including: Missouri, Texas, England, Taiwan, Hawaii, Philippines, Washington State, and lastly Montana, where Al retired and then called home.
In 1963 Al retired from the Air Force. After a short stint of civilian life Al joined the Civil Service where he continued working until he retired in 1985 at Malmstrom A.F.B. in Great Falls, MT. Al worked just over 40 years for the military and Civil Service.
Our Father/Granddad/Grandpa was a true socialite who enjoyed every cha
nce to tell a joke, a story or offer an opinion. Al loved to read anything and everything he could get his hands on, watch and report on the weather, work crossword puzzles, work in his yard, spend time with family and cheer on and root for the fabulous and infamous Green Bay Packers. A story, a joke, a memory, dad was at his best when he shared all of these. It wasn’t until much later in Al’s years that he started sharing his WWII experiences, stories, and descriptions of what it was like for him to be so far from home at a young age and just married, to be at war and held prisoner by the Germans. Some of his memories of those years brought tears to Al’s eyes. He often expressed, “war is hell”, “I’ve truly seen the best years of this great country”, and “I’m proud to have been a part of The Greatest Generation”.
There are so many people that touched and enriched Al’s life, here are just a few of those people: Ric Oberholz, RN with Hospice of St. Peters and the entire Hospice staff; Jo and Leroy Gibson and Shirley from “Our House”; the entire medical staff at Ft. Harrison Veteran’s Hospital that nurtured, cared for and encouraged dad for the last several years; Thomas Harlan and staff for compassionate, professional, legal assistance; Pamela Eldridge and her husband John for the time and care they so graciously gave dad; his many friends from the Broadwater Athletic Club including Billie and Gail; and his fine neighbors Dean and Diane Olson and Geri and Dave Payne. Many thanks to each and every one of you for who you are and all the positive influences you contributed to Al’s life. Thank you for helping him through his last days, most of all, thank you for helping us, his family, get through his last days. We are forever grateful.
Al leaves behind him the legacy of a family that loves him deeply and will miss him beyond words; daughters Sharron Sparks, Virginia Violette (Roger) and Donna Lee Owens (James), his 8 grandchildren Scott Delaus Kobold, Michelle LeeAnn Kobold, McKinley Sparks-Lowry (Julie), Paul Violette (Kamelia), Daniel Lee Violette, Jonathan, Janine and Jessica Braaten, and 6 great grandchildren, Jacob, Julian and Alexandra (Lexi) Violette, and Taylor, Christian and Edward Braaten.
Dad, your journey here with us ended on November 4th in the early morning hours. Each of us joins together to embrace you and your life as you travel on now, joining those friends, comrades, and loved ones who are waiting for you and are ready to join you on your next journey. Dad, we salute you, a member of the “Greatest Generation”, with pride, admiration, respect, and our undying love as you rise now to that “Cabin in the Sky”. Auf Wiederschen Dad, we love you.
Memorial services will be held for Al at the Anderson, Stevenson and Wilke Funeral Home at 650 Logan on Monday, November 22nd at 1:00 in the afternoon, followed by full military honors at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Montana.
At Al’s request, memorials may be sent to the Disabled Veterans of America or the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Montana.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Debbie & Karri Zuidema says
Donna and family,
We are keeping you in our prayers and trusting that God will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Here is a little quote that I received with my Uncle passed. “It will be the little things you remember,
the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem hard right now,
it will be the memories of these little things
that help push away the pain
and bring the smiles back again”.
Love you much,
Debbie & Karri
Donna Lee says
My heart has been touched by those who are so kind to share their words of support following the loss of my father. Dad was a noble individual and one who suffered many battles through life but overcame them all, no matter how difficult. I have learned strenth and grace from my dad and….not to complain about what life deals…dad kept saying to me towards the end of his days “it’s not worth fighting against life, just go with the flow otherwise life is miserable and our time here is just too short.” Thank you dad for all are, I miss you beyond words but rest easy knowing you’re happy and at peace now! Love you dad!
Janis Wade says
Sharron,Virginia & Donna,
Very sorry to hear about your dad. I know your hearts are all hurting. When both parents are gone it’s such an empty feeling. My prayer is that our parents are all rejoicing together. That makes my heart feel better. Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about all of you. I know your dad was a good man. That is something to be very proud of.
Love,
Butch & Janis Wade
Leo & Donna Violette says
To all of Al’s family, our deepest sympathy. He was a great and loving Dad,Grandfather,and Great-grandfather, and a true American hero. He will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
McKinley Sparks-Lowry says
I only knew this man as Grandpa, and I think I was the only one out of Scott, Michelle and I who called him that. Scott and Michelle knew him as Granddad. I am so honored to carry on the tradition of being a man of integrity and honesty. I have only recently, truly understood the meaning and power behind these words. My grandfather taught me these ways of life. Thank you grandpa I will miss you more than you will ever know and above all I will always and forever love you.
Myrna Smith says
Dear Donna and family, I am saddened to hear of your loss,May you Dad find peace and rest and may your family find comfort in his loving memories Please know you are in our hearts,and we are thinking of you all.Love Myrna Shawn Kevin and Cami Smith
Robert & Irene Violette says
Ginny, Sharron, Donna, and to all of the Sparks family members we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Also, know that the obit on your dad was one of best I have ever read. It was beautifully written and made me feel like I knew your dad. It sounds like he was a great dad. Take comfort in knowing that he is with God now and will always be with all of you.f
Suzanne Berger says
Dear Sparks cousins,
Thank you for posting this wonderful tribute about your Dad. Sincere condolences on behalf of your Berger cousins.
Timothy R. Berry says
Sorry for you loss.
Tom Kobold says
To the Sparks family. It was an honor to know your father,grandfather,great grandfather. During the years of living in Great Falls I came to know Al as a father figure and respected him deeply. I have very fond memories of being a son in law to Al and he treated me like a son. I can still see him sitting in his chair watching Lawrence Welk while Max made us a snack. Good memories that will last forever. You will be missed Al, but your memory will stay close to our hearts. God speed to your family.