Robert Amsa Sparks

Robert Amsa "Bob" Sparks of Peshtigo, passed away on Sunday, June 30th. As in life, he was surrounded by his large, loving family. Bob was born in Land O'Lakes, WI on April 7, 1937. He had three sisters and one brother and enjoyed the connection to his siblings every day of his life. Bob went to High School in Eagle River, WI and participated in sports and activities for four and a half years. After missing graduation with his classmates, Bob proudly proclaimed he was the Valedictorian of the Class of 1956 1/2. Since he had one classmate at the time of graduation, he may actually have been the Salutatorian. Bob's high school yearbook lists him as a member of the conversation club. This comes as no surprise to anyone acquainted with Bob. His gift of gab and endless stories entertained everyone he encountered. Whether fact or fiction, the stories poured from him with no rhyme or reason. Bob was never boring!
On April 1, 1959, Bob enlisted in the Air Force. The hi light of his military service was hitchhiking from Scottlethorpe, England to WI to be home for Christmas.
In 1963, Bob married the love of his life, Rosemary Hrbacek. Together they had 5 children. The now-grown children have fond memories of treasure hunts, family baseball games and solving arguments with boxing gloves in the front yard. Cars often slowed down on Cranberry Avenue to see what was happening at the Sparks house. Bob and Rosemary attended countless wrestling matches, baseball games, band concerts and anything their kids enjoyed. Bob's military training and organizational skills paid off with his family. He built shoe pegs and cubbies for the family entryway. If anyone didn't use the system, their shoes were hidden.
Bob had a long career at Skelgas in both Eagle River and Peshtigo. He later drove for Drees Trucking. Bob, often with Rosemary, drove all over the country and enjoyed making deliveries to diverse sites like prisons and Harvard University.
Bob loved returning to Eagle River to deer hunt. This annual trip included more people every year as Bob's sons became old enough to hunt and later included grandchildren. Everyone looked forward to the trip up to the "hunting shack." For Bob, the deer hunting trip seldom involved stepping into the woods. Instead, he enjoyed time with family and life-long friends. Bob enjoyed family gatherings with loved ones from California, Indiana, Florida, Arizona and beyond. The family aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews were never far from his thoughts. He loved them all! The surviving family, near and far, will continue to stay in touch and follow Bob's good example. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Luella, brother Bill, stepmother Meleta, sister Nancy Hedberg and grandson, Tony. Bob leaves behind his wife Rosemary and children Bobby (Lois), Mona (David) Rich (Crystal) Ron (Joanne) and Randy (Pam). He will be missed by his sisters Peggy (Bill) and Donna (Larry) along with many nieces and nephews. Additionally, Bob had 8 surviving grandchildren: Sarah, April, Sara Beth, Cody, Joe, Cassy, Ellen, Nicolle as well as 6 great grandchildren.
Services for Robert Sparks will be held July 5th 9 am-11 am, followed by a short service. Services will be held at Berth & Rosenthal funeral home in Peshtigo. Burial will follow on TBD date in Land O' Lakes, WI.