Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Sparks Obituary
Born: July 11, 1943
Died: September 16, 2025
Joseph Merle Sparks, 82, of Peoria, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center in Burlington, Wisconsin with his sons at his bedside.
He was born July 11, 1943, in Peoria to Merle and Agnes Sparks. He married his first wife, Janice Kay Morey in 1963 and was divorced in 1977. He married the love of his life, Mary Helen Sronce in June of 1980 and she passed away July 4, 2018.
Surviving are his daughter, Joanna Smoot (fiancé Donny Bartholomew); three sons, Andy (Kristen) Sparks, Wes Sparks, and Joe Spark; stepdaughter, Leah Williams; stepsons, Lenny (Lisa) Williams, Gene Ray (Marti) Williams, Larry (Brenda) Williams, and Neal, AKA Bubby (Cathy Jewell) Williams; and brother, Ronald (Lynn) Sparks.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; and his brother, William "Bill" Sparks.
Joe was a graduate from Bradley University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering June 5, 1966. Joe worked for the Division of Highways as he worked his way through college. Joe worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company as a civil and structural engineer for more than 30 years before he retired. He then came out of retirement and worked for WECO (Washington Equipment Company)/Columbus McKinnon before retiring in Newberry, Florida for Mary's Fern Hollow Farm, which rescued at-risk horses.
Joe was quite the handyman, and built two homes by himself in Peoria, with his family living in the second home until his sons went away to college.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to local Alzheimer's/Dementia charities.
His funeral was held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Mackinaw. Visitation was from 10 to 11:45 a.m., also at the funeral home. Burial was at Mackinaw Cemetery.
Oswald Funeral Home
328 S. Locust St.
Tremont, Il 61568
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Sparks
Sponsored by Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Joseph Sparks's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Sparks
Sep
27
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Sparks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
