James “Eddie” Edward Sparing, Sr.
Eddie Sparing died of natural causes at home in Helena, August 20, 2010, with his loving wife at his side. He was 82 years of age. Eddie was born April 15, 1928 in Helena. He was the fourth of five sons born to Carl & Elizabeth (Clausen) Sparing. He grew up in the family home on Peosta Street. He attended Helena Schools and graduated from Helena High School in 1946. After graduation from High School he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in Panama. He married his devoted wife Deloris “Pete” Green after his military discharge on November 27, 1948 and they were blessed with two children, Jim and Susan and made their home in Helena.
Eddie started employment with Mountain Bell February 1, 1951 as a central office equipment installer and ended his 32 year telephone company career as the head of the construction department for U.S. West for the state of Montana.
Eddie was active in the Helena Kiwanis club for many years and served as president of the club. Eddie and Pete took great pleasure in raising funds for Helena Kiwanis through the annual apple sale. He enriched the community of Helena through his participation in many service projects as a Kiwanian. He was a member of the Morning Star Masonic Lodge #5 A.F. & A.M.. He and Pete were also active members of the Summit Club and enjoyed participating in many Summit Club activities.
“Papa Eddie” (a name first given to him by his granddaughter Michele but used by many) loved fishing and hunting and enjoyed sharing the great outdoors of Montana with his children and grandchildren. Papa Eddie and Grandma Pete could often be found traveling, camping, and visiting relatives around the state and country.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers Richard, Donald, and Walter Sparing.
Eddie is survived by his loving wife Pete, his son Jim (Cindy) Sparing, Jr. of Helena, daughter Susan (Bob) Smart of Wilmington, Delaware. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael (Blair) Smart of Nashville, TN, Sherryl (Noah) Sanders, Freeport, NY, Michele Sparing and her fiancé Brad Russell of Helena, Jamie Yeske of Helena, Kurtis (Cali) Sparing of Belgrade, MT. He had 5 great children, Austyn and Ashleigh Crum, Ryan and Abby Yeske all of Helena, and Tagen Sanders of Freeport, NY. His legacy also includes his brother Leonard (Ina) Sparing of Helena, sisters-in-law Myrtle (Bob) Prohaska of Seattle, WA, Phyllis LeFevre of Casper, WY and brother-in-law Forrest (Karen) Green of Cody, Wy. He is also survived by many, many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews and cousins.
Visitation will begin at noon, with family to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 24th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 25th at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorials Gardens Cemetery. Memorials in Jim’s name are suggested to Frontier Hospice or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Denise DeWolf Martin says
Dear Sparing Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. It has been many years since I’ve seen any of you but my fond childhood memories of your Dad and family are one of those indelibly printed memories in my mind. I remember the nights of kick the can and days of baseball in your back field and bike riding on the bike trail. Anyway, nice memories and I know he played a large part in molding them.
My condolences to the family, Denise DeWolf Martin
Heather Green says
Dear Aunt Pete and family,
I am so sorry to have to say goodbye to my uncle Eddie. I have fond memories of staying out at your place as a little girl…waking up to fish frying in the morning, and stuffing fuzzy caterpillars into uncle Eddie’s ear while he patiently humored me. Those times were magical for me, and I will always remember my uncle Eddie fondly. Much love always, and especially now in your time of sorrow.
Love,
Heather
Mary Brydich says
Pete and family – my heart goes out to you! I remember many wonderful years with Jim at the Kiwanis Club of Helena. Jim was our fine collector and he did an outstanding job having fun and raising money. I especially enjoyed working with him during the Salvation Army bell ringing and apple sales. It was a loss when he stopped coming. I hope his life was good and I hope it helps to know others care. Best wishes – Mary
Roger Green says
Dear Aunt Pete (& Family),
I’m am sad to say goodbye to Uncle Eddie — so sorry for your loss. Still, I can only smile when I think of Eddie and his amazing laugh. My childhood visits to you and Eddie are among my most cherished. My thanks to you both for your years of generosity and kindness. You are in my thoughts…
Love,
Roger
Myrtle & Bob says
Thinking of all of you, sorry not to be there. Bob & I have lots of good memories of times spent with both of you, camping, fishing and even cutting wood. Bobby also has lots of good memories. Only wish our grandsons could have gotten to know Eddie too. A
Morning Star Lodge #5 says
We are sorry to hear of your loss. He will be greatly missed by all! Our deepest sympathy and heart felt condolence to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Doreen Snow (Hall) says
Aunt Pete, Susan and Jim
I’m so sorry to hear about Uncle Eddie’s passing. My thoughts are with you during this time. Aunt Pete I will call you soon, Love You doreen
Jeanne Hiltabrand says
I will not be able to be there with you at this time but my thoughts are with all of you. Eddie will be missed by so many.
With Love, Jeanne Hiltabrand
Henri Dobbins says
Jim & Cindy, So sorry to hear of your loss. He will be greatly missed by all! My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Gerry and Theresa Fullerton says
We express our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Love and prayers,
Gerry and Theresa
John Morgan says
I have many fond memories of your dad. He always treated me well at Ma Bell. God Bless all of you.
John & Nancy
Colleen Reardon Marks says
Sue: I am so sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers
deb stansberrya says
So very sorry to hear of Eddie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Cindy says
God speed you through this really tough time. We are here for anything you need.