Larry Rowland Sparks

Larry Rowland Sparks, 81, peacefully passed away on September 24, 2024, at his home in rural Sargeant, MN. He was born on February 14,1943 on the Sparks Homestead in Sargeant Township, Mower County.  He was a Valentine gift to Arthur and Emma (Berge) Sparks that cool February day. He was the third child of their five children.

Larry attended the” The 113 Country School” through grade eight, then to Hayfield High School, graduating in 1961. He was a lifelong member of Zion United Methodist Church, having been baptized on March 14, 1943, and confirmed on April 21, 1957. He loved God and loved to serve his church through the years with many different positions on the council, Head trustee and as an usher. He also served his community as Chairman of Sargeant Township and Board Member of Waltham Township Cemetery.

After graduation, Larry milked Holstein cows, raised hogs and worked the family crop farm with his dad. He enlisted in the army in 1964 and trained as a medical corpsman. He was honorably discharged in 1970 as Staff Sargent from the Army Reserves.

Larry met the love of his life, Sharon Kay Hertle at a school dance in Hayfield.  They were united in marriage on October 31, 1965. They were thrilled to welcome their only child, Lori in 1966. Larry was happy that Lori was born in the early morning as he had time to get home for the morning milking.

Larry and Sharon shared their love together for the next 58 years and 11 months on the Sparks Family Farm. His heart was there in the soil that has been the family farm for over 100 years. He took great care and pride in his farming of this land and the animals he raised. He loved golfing, nature walks in the “East Woods”, bird watching, sunset drives in search of deer and Allis-Chalmers tractors. All these things that kept him close to his roots.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sharon Sparks, Sargeant, MN; daughter, Lori (William Jr.) Douglas, Eagan, MN; two grandchildren, Lauren Douglas and William III (Morgan) Douglas; one brother, Clinton (Wendy) Sparks, one sister, Arlene McNeil, sisters-in-law, Esther Sparks and Jacci Sparks and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Emma (Berge) Sparks, two brothers, Gifford and David Sparks and brother-in-law, Robert McNeil.

A visitation is scheduled from 11:00–12:45 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm at Zion United Methodist Church, 201 Main Street NE in Sargeant, MN.  The Reverend Jon Marburger officiating.  There will be military honors by the Hayfield American Legion Rothie Post #330 following the memorial service at the church. Inurnment will be at the Waltham Township Cemetery.

To share a special memory or condolence please, visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com

Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes ~ 501 2nd Street NW ~ Hayfield, Minnesota.

Blessed be his memory.