Joyce Ann Sparks

Joyce Sparks passed away Sunday, July 9, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield, MN. She was born April 24, 1926, in Herrin, IL to Kenneth and Genevieve (Nesler) Rose. Her family moved to Blue Earth, MN when she was 8 years old. Joyce grew up in Blue Earth and graduated from Blue Earth High School. She continued her education at Brown Institute of the Air in Minneapolis. Joyce then worked at a radio station in Mankato where she had a program called Midday-Merry-go-round. Joyce married Keith Sparks on July 21, 1946. After their marriage she worked in the family dry cleaning business with her father and husband. Joyce and Keith raised three children. When KBEW Radio came to Blue Earth, Joyce worked there writing and reading advertising on air. She read stories at Christmas time and occasionally sang songs. Joyce was active in the First Methodist Church in Blue Earth where she directed the choir, taught Sunday School, organized Easter breakfasts and Christmas programs. She sang at weddings and funerals too. Joyce enjoyed having coffee with friends, playing cards, going to the casino and baking great sweet treats. She is survived by her son Nolly Sparks of Coral Springs, FL; daughters- Linda (Dan) Skarp of Springfield, and Lou Ann (Mike) Langan of Mantorville; grandchildren- Chris (Lee) Behrens of Burnsville, Emily Skarp-Wait, Megan (Brodie) Scheitel of Springfield, Nick Langan of Mantorville, Ben Langan of Kasson, and Andrew Sparks of Coral Springs, FL; and great-grandchildren- Elora and Daniel Wait, Emily, Henry, Jack and Oscar Scheitel; and Genevieve and Alexander Behrens. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Keith in 1984; and many aunts and uncles. Visitation 1 9:00 am - 10:00 am Thursday, July 13, 2017 Chapel of the Good Shepherd, St. John Lutheran Home 201 S. County Road 5 Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Service Information 10:00 am Thursday, July 13, 2017 Chapel of the Good Shepherd, St. John Lutheran Home 201 S. County Road 5 Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Interment 1:00 pm Thursday, July 13, 2017 Riverside Cemetery, Blue Earth Hwy. 169 Blue Earth, Minnesota, United States Luncheon Luncheon to immediately follow services at St. John Lutheran Home.