1945
Paul
2014
Paul Sparks
January 21, 1945 — June 3, 2014
Memorial Services for Paul T. Sparks will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 6, 2014, at St Theodore Catholic Church, Albert Lea, MN. The Reverend Timothy T. Reker and Deacon Mike Ellis will officiate. Interment will be in St Theodore Catholic Cemetery, Friends may visit with family from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour before the service at the church. There will be a prayer service at 6:45 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Paul Twain Sparks was born on January 21, 1945 in Chillicothe, Missouri. He graduated from Central High School in St. Joseph Missouri in 1967 and Northwest Missouri State in 1971. He attained his master's degree from the University of Missouri in Public Administration. Paul married Judith Tahir on May 11, 1969. They resided in Kansas City, North Kansas City and moved to Albert Lea in 1978. Paul began his career as City Manager in North Kansas City and served as the City Manager for the City of Albert Lea for 27 years until 2004, and as Economic Development Director until 2007.
After being introduced by a close family friend, Paul married Camilla Kolker on August 21st, 1999, and continued living in Albert Lea. Paul was very active in his community, serving on many state and local boards. Among the many, Paul was president of the Minnesota City Manager's Association and served on the board of directors of the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. Most recently, he served as chairman of the Freeborn County Communities Foundation Fund, and was instrumental in assisting the Albert Lea Art Center in finding its future location in the historic Freeborn Bank Building. His career and work activities did not define Paul. He was a devoted husband to Camilla, loving father to Mary and his four step-sons, and cherished his six grandchildren. He was a loyal friend, a good listener, animal lover, problem solver, and mentor to many. Paul enjoyed traveling, a good poker game and a Johnny Walker Red and soda. Last, but not least,
Paul loved Albert Lea. Paul passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. He was 69. Paul is survived by his wife Camilla, daughter Mary (John) Schulte, brother Jack, sister Peggy, step-sons Chris Kolker, Jim Kolker, Dan (Angie) Kolker and Pat (Laura) Kolker, and six grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Judith, his parents Paul T. Sparks, Sr. and Mary E. Sparks, and sisters Shirley and Jean.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to St. Theodore's School, Freeborn County Communities Foundation Fund, or the Albert Lea Art Center.
After being introduced by a close family friend, Paul married Camilla Kolker on August 21st, 1999, and continued living in Albert Lea. Paul was very active in his community, serving on many state and local boards. Among the many, Paul was president of the Minnesota City Manager's Association and served on the board of directors of the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. Most recently, he served as chairman of the Freeborn County Communities Foundation Fund, and was instrumental in assisting the Albert Lea Art Center in finding its future location in the historic Freeborn Bank Building. His career and work activities did not define Paul. He was a devoted husband to Camilla, loving father to Mary and his four step-sons, and cherished his six grandchildren. He was a loyal friend, a good listener, animal lover, problem solver, and mentor to many. Paul enjoyed traveling, a good poker game and a Johnny Walker Red and soda. Last, but not least,
Paul loved Albert Lea. Paul passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. He was 69. Paul is survived by his wife Camilla, daughter Mary (John) Schulte, brother Jack, sister Peggy, step-sons Chris Kolker, Jim Kolker, Dan (Angie) Kolker and Pat (Laura) Kolker, and six grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Judith, his parents Paul T. Sparks, Sr. and Mary E. Sparks, and sisters Shirley and Jean.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to St. Theodore's School, Freeborn County Communities Foundation Fund, or the Albert Lea Art Center.
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