Ralph E. Sparenburg, 82, of St. Anne passed away Sunday morning, Dec.29, 2013, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee following a lengthy illness. Mr. Sparenburg was born at Aroma Park on April 20, 1931, the son of Abe J. and Alice Alberts Sparenberg, his parents are deceased. His wife, the former Mairion J. Smith, whom he married on September 12, 1953 at Chebanse survives.
He is also survived by two daughters and one son-in-law and two sons and daughters-in-law, Diana (Lawrence) Floyd of Aroma Park, Donna Harrison of Troy, TN, Terry (Karen) Sparenburg of Edcouch, TX and Timothy (Becky) Sparenburg of Chino Valley, AZ; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Florence Burton of Livermore, CA and June Barrett of Bradley.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Emerson Sparenberg; a sister, Irene Alberts; and a grandson, Jason Martin.
Mr. Sparenburg was a veteran of the US Navy and served during the Korean War. He was a Consultant for AO Smith Corp for 40 years. He belonged to the Kankakee VFW, the Bradley Moose Lodge and enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles and doing volunteer work.
Per his request, the Knapp Funeral Home of Clifton will accord Cremation Rites. There will be no visitation or services. Inurnment with military honors will be at a later date in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at Elwood, IL.
Please sign his on line guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.