Robert "Bob" L. Sparks

Robert (Bob) Lutherman Sparks, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge in Madison, Wisconsin, with his family by his side.

Bob was born in Harvey, Illinois, in 1935, the oldest child of Ruth and LeRoy Sparks. Raised alongside two brothers and a sister, his parents supported his diverse interests, from attending classes at the Art Institute of Chicago to competing on the Thornton Township High School track team. (His personal best of 57.8 seconds in the 440-yard dash remains a family record.) Scouting was an activity that he shared with his father and brothers where he achieved the level of Eagle Scout. Bob carried the principles throughout his life: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Bob's academic journey began at Joliet Junior College, leading him to the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Physics. While pursuing his Master's in Engineering Physics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, he met Jo Kee, a fellow Pisces, who would become the love of his life. Both were active members of the Wesley Foundation, the university's Methodist youth group, where they forged lasting friendships with couples like the Eckerts, Beavins, Hines, and Grandines. Sharing a passion for playing contract bridge, spectator and recreational sports, and progressive Methodist ideology, their courtship culminated in marriage on June 21, 1959, in Irving, Texas.

After their marriage, Bob taught Physics and Math for two years at Evanston (Illinois) High School. During this time, Jo completed her bachelor's degree in Physical Education at Northwestern University, fulfilling a promise Bob made to her father before their engagement. The couple then relocated to Jo's home state of Texas when Bob transitioned from education to industry, joining Texas Instruments, a semiconductor company based in Dallas. Their three children, Angie, John, and Laura, were born in the Dallas area, where the young family enjoyed playing games, family read-alouds, driving around in Bob’s Sprite convertible (a.k.a.“the noisy car”), and designing and building their new home.

Bob's career as an Electronics Engineer at General Motors led the family to Kokomo, Indiana, where all three children graduated from high school and earned degrees from Indiana University-Bloomington. Bob and Jo were active in their community, participating in the United Methodist Church, Wildcat Canoe Club, and a book discussion group. Bob and Jo instilled a love of adventure and travel in their children through camping trips at state and national parks across the country. During these years, Bob pursued various creative projects. He built a custom three-lane race track in the garage allowing all kids to race simultaneously. He designed and created a latch-hooked rug, cleverly integrating the names of all five family members.

More meaningful to Bob than his academic and career achievements was time spent with his family. His quick wit and gentle nature made him a lap-magnet to kids and pets. He never turned down an invitation from a child or grandchild to play games, toss a ball, or read aloud. He was a fierce supporter of children and childhood. Bob was a devoted and engaged father, coaching flag football, participating in father/child clubs with all his children, and driving them to countless church and sports events. These were also the years of familiar parental refrains like "save your allowance" and "turn down that noise!"

After their children completed high school, Bob and Jo returned to Dallas. Bob worked as a Systems Engineer for Electronic Data Systems Corporation. They became enthusiastic members of the American Volkssport Association, completing numerous non-competitive 10-kilometer walks with their Dallas AVA club. They went on to complete sanctioned AVA walks in all fifty states and over a dozen foreign countries.

In 1996, Bob and Jo returned to Madison, Wisconsin, to be closer to their daughters, marking the beginning of Bob's most cherished years in retirement. They shared a love for theater, classical music, opera, golf, bridge, jigsaw puzzles, and church discussion groups. Lifelong learners, Bob and Jo especially enjoyed educational and service trips with Road Scholar and UW-Madison's continuing education programs. They often combined these travels with American Contract Bridge League events across the country, where both achieved the rank of Silver Life Master. A notable moment in their bridge careers was playing against the team of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates at a regional event.

During Bob's 70th year, he and Jo embarked on their most audacious adventure yet: becoming "Loopers." Despite having no large-boat experience, they bought a 27-foot Carver powerboat and mastered nautical charts. Their ten-month journey took them from Racine, Wisconsin, down the Mississippi River, through Florida, up the eastern Intracoastal Waterway, and through the Great Lakes, ultimately returning home to Wisconsin. They meticulously planned their marina stops around locations offering AVA-sanctioned walks or Bridge clubs. Bob still expresses his astonishment that he agreed when Jo proposed, "Honey, let's get a boat."

Bob is survived by Jo, his wife of 66 years. They had something special between them that balanced her joy and spontaneity with his steady thoughtfulness. A devoted husband, he heroically supported Jo, his compass and constant companion, until his final days. As he told everyone, her well-being was his primary concern.

He is also survived by his children, Angie (Andrea), John (Lyn), and Laura (Jill); grandchildren Casey (Tim), Addison (Carter), and Lulit; and great-grandchildren Hudson and Nora. He is further survived by his brothers, Edward and David, sister-in-law Dixie, and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sylvia McCure.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated team who enriched Bob and Jo's lives: music therapist TJ, for his invaluable help in creating the unimaginable – an original song about their family; Ryssa and Nancy from Visiting Angels, who ensured music remained a vibrant part of their daily lives; the compassionate staff at Oakwood Village; and the supportive nurses and social workers from Agrace hospice. This truly was a collaborative effort.

In honor of Bob, and in lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the following local organizations that support children and childhood:

• First Tee – South Central Wisconsin – empowering youth through the game of golf (2819 Royal Ave, Madison, WI 53713)                                                                                                                                                                 
• Wingra School – educating critical thinkers, global citizens, social justice advocates, problem solvers, and great communicators [718 Gilmore Street, Madison, WI 53711]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
• YWCA Madison – helping women and their families find their place in the world [101 E. Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703]

A private celebration of life is planned for a future date.

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• “AQ2” – (August 2004) Bob and Jo chronicle their adventure, detailing their quest for a boat and the inspiration behind its name, AQ2. This journey, known as the Great Loop, took place from Fall 2004 to early Summer 2005. (7 min, 45 seconds)  https://youtu.be/mhPeFMQe1ss                                                                                    
• “Whad’ya Know” – (May 2013) This archival snippet features Bob and Jo Sparks, along with Jo's sister, Dixie, and their cousin, Rachel, during a live radio broadcast from Monona Terrace on May 4, 2013. Michael conducted the interview. (5 min)   https://youtu.be/48GxuBhBalk                                                                            
• “Don’t Blink” – (May 2025) A video montage from Bob’s extended family set to music by Kenny Chesney. A reminder to us all that time speeds up and it’s important to love our people now. (5 min, 20 seconds)  https://youtu.be/L_7eBET651A?si=wr01LF32LUQzwMUy                                                                                      

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666

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