"Our condolences to the Sparks family for there recent loss. Wally and Kathy olejnik"
In loving memory of
Patrick "Whitey" Sparks
September 7, 1960 - October 11, 2018
Patrick "Whitey" Sparks, of Pelican Lake, died Thursday, October 11, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 58 years old. He was born on September 7, 1960, in Rhinelander, a son of Luther and Valeria (Wojtecki) Sparks.
He was a graduate of Elcho High School with the class of 1979 and received an Associates degree in Forestry from Nicolet College in Rhinelander.
Whitey was employed at the Rhinelander Paper mill for over 20 years.
He was a member of the Pelican Lake volunteer fire department, and an EMT for Oneida County ambulance Medic 12 in Pelican Lake.
He was a lifelong member of St. John Catholic Church in Pelican Lake, was an avid Milwaukee Brewer fan and enjoyed the outdoors hunting and fishing.
Survivors include five sisters, Frances (Baker) Branson, Elcho, Susan (Wayne) King, Rhinelander, Althea (Roscoe) Adkins, Crandon, Maxine (Danny) Des Jarlais, Elcho, Angela (Jeffrey) Roberts, Summit Lake; two brothers, Wayne Sparks, Pelican Lake, Michael (Marianne) Sparks, Elcho; nieces and nephews: Dr. Amanda Sparks, Luke (Suzanne) Sparks, Samantha Herrmann and Jason, Benjamin Des Jarlais, Jake Allard, Wiley Allard, Steven (Amanda) Des Jarlais, Erin Des Jarlais, Matthew Roberts; several step-nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Edward and Mark in infancy.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 15, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Pelican Lake with Rev. Michael Tupa officiating.
Visitation will be 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Funeral Home, Antigo and 10 a.m. on Monday until the time of services at the church.
A parish wake service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Tributes
"I remember him most when we were in grade school out on the play ground, always walked a proud walk with his shoulders back and his arms out. A really good person...typical of all the Sparks. Good People. "
"Sparks family, We will keep you in our prayers in this sad time. We also send our love and support. Debbie and Steve Buschel "
"Dear Sparks Family, Very saddened to hear of Whitey's passing. The Sparks family was an integral part of our growing up years, the community of Pelican Lake at large, and St. John's Parish. The human part of grieving is the hardest part. Having just lost our Joe recently, know that our hearts and prayers are with you and your extended families. God bless you all. Jenny Porten Moilanen and family "
"Dear Sparks Family, We are SO sorry to hear the news about Whitey. I just know that he had a grand Pelican Lake reunion in heaven with your Mom and Dad and our Dad and Joe. Whitey also left footprints of kindness behind him. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with each of you. God bless. Bonny Porten and family"
"Condolences to the Sparks family"
"Sorry to hear we lost Whitey, he will be missed."
"Sorry for your loss hugs to you all , we had a close family with you all as children growing up , love always , Ken Johnson family "
"Sparks Family, Lynn & I will keep you all in our prayers. Heaven just got a little bit brighter!! Please know & find comfort in that Whitey is with all those that have left us over the years and there in a youthful body with no suffering. We will miss him very much but know we will all be together again someday. John & Lynn"