Herschel Hans Sparks

Herschel was distinguished by being born, raised, educated, baptized and becoming a respected citizen of greater Wenatchee. He attended Elementary School in East Wenatchee, graduated from Wenatchee High School and received an Associate of Arts degree from Wenatchee Junior College. Herschel received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing and Advertising from the University of Washington. He returned to Wenatchee, where he became successful in all aspects of the apple industry. He built the first controlled atmosphere fruit storage unit in Wenatchee. This system changed the fruit marketing business from a seasonal, to a year-round industry. In the 1960's, his company shipped gift boxes and baskets of apples all over the United States. In 1942, he married Elizabeth Ann Johnston at the University Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA. To this union two daughters were born, Sandra Anne and Linda Hersch. There are five grandchildren. In 1951, they built a home on property which had been in the Sparks family since the 1920's. Herschel became a member of the Presbyterian Church in 1942. He and Betty joined the First Presbyterian Church of Wenatchee in 1946. During the following years, Herschel served as an Elder and chairman of the Building and Finance Committee. He continued service on this committee for several years and made significant personal gifts such as, computer and printer, a printing press, a kitchen range and flooring. The Sparks loved to travel. They visited a large portion of the world including, Mexico, Canada, the British Isles, Europe, the Holy Land, Egypt, the Orient and Scandinavia. For 25 years it was their custom to spend six months of each year in Palm Springs, CA.
A Memorial Service will be Monday, August 10, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Wenatchee. Arrangements under direction of Telford's Chapel of the Valley.