SPARKS, Richard D., age 81

Died: Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

Celebration of Life Service: 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Saving Grace Lutheran Church (3735 Jeffers Road, Eau Claire) with Pastor David Irgens officiating

Visitation: 10:30 a.m. until time of service at church

Interment: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

The family requests no flowers. Memorials received will be directed to charities/organizations that were important to Richard and his family.

Richard D. Sparks, age 81, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at his home with family by his side following a long battle with kidney failure.

On April 11, 1943, Richard was born to the late Arvis and Catherine (Lucas) Sparks in LaPorte, Indiana. He was a 1961 graduate of Elston High School in Michigan City, Indiana. Following graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge in 1965 and was a member of American Legion Post 53. For almost 40 years, Richard worked for Lorillard Tobacco. At St. John's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Richard married Nancy Johnson on June 1, 1991.

Richard enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Burnett County with family and friends. As an avid motorcyclist, putting many miles on his beloved Gold Wing, he was a founding member of the Chippewa Valley Road Riders Motorcycle Club.

Richard is survived by his wife of 33 years, Nancy; children, Julie (Rick) Morrison, Terra (Bruce) Buss, Michael (Michelle) Sparks, James Sparks, and Stephanie Peterson; grandchildren, Katelynn (Dallas) Dougherty, Erica (Kevin) Smith, Kyler Sparks, Nicole Buss, Stephanie (Austin) Scribner, Alex (Dana) Ingram, Travis Buss, Kenadee Sparks and Jordyn Peterson; great grandchildren, Jackson, August, Opal, Oliver, and Hayes; brother, Ron (Cindi) Sparks; brother-in-law, Ken Johnson; sisters-in-law, Pat Gunderson and Sally Pitts; stepson, Dan (Julie) Gehrke; step grandsons, Kyle (Laura), Derrick (Emma), and Luke (Leah) Gehrke; step great grandchildren, Carter, Blake, Lena, Malakai, Abel, Ruben, and Josie; many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, David Sparks, and in-laws, Glen and Ruth Johnson.

A huge thank you to all the staff at Mayo Clinic Dialysis-London Road, Dr. Kahn, and all the medical personnel who gave such wonderful, compassionate care to Richard these past years.