Richard (Rick) Lee Sparks, Jr.

(February 14, 1953 – October 7, 2023)

Rick Sparks, 70, passed away October 7, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by family.

Rick was born on February 14, 1953 to Richard and Donna (Brown) Sparks.  Rick grew up in Spring Hill, Iowa and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1971.  On May 19th, 1973, he was married to Sandy Cota at St. John's Catholic Church in Cumming, Iowa.  They made their home in Norwalk, Iowa, where they raised their five children.  Rick was a skilled Plasterer and a member of Local 21 Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons.

Rick loved spending time outdoors gardening, boating, fishing, hunting, and chasing down morel mushrooms in the spring.  He had a deep love for bluegrass music and was an accomplished banjo picker and guitarist.  He enjoyed playing at many festivals across central Iowa, as well as joining his Uncle Gary in special guest appearances on The Rooster Creek Show out of Fulton, Missouri.  Rick will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and his ability to tell a great story.

Rick is survived by his children, Carla (Josh) Luksetich, Katie (Michael) Hoskins, Dayna (Chad) Humphrey, Greg Sparks and Samantha (Justin) Reed; his grandchildren, Connor, Kylie, and Lathan Luksetich, Jason and Alli Hoskins, Austin, Ben, Meghan and Will Humphrey, and Nora, Hattie and Henry Reed; and his sisters, Deb (Lynn) Larsen and Diane Beery.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son Randy; his brothers Dan, Joe and Dennis; and his sister Brenda.

Rick will be greatly missed by his family. He will be remembered at a private memorial service to be held at Webb Cemetery.