Robert W. Sparby

JANESVILLE— Robert W. “Bob” Sparby, age 84, of Janesville, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at University Hospital, Madison surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Colfax, IN, on March 7, 1928, the son of Emil and Esther (Rasmussen) Sparby. Bob served in the US Army Infantry and has been a Janesville resident since 1954. He married Beverly R. Selvig on Sept. 4, 1948 in Rhinelander, WI. He worked in the material department for General Motors for 30 years before retiring in 1984. He was a member of Trinity Free Lutheran Church, UAW Local 95, Sons of Norway, and his Wednesday morning Bible Study group. He loved spending time gardening, fishing and traveling with his wife.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Beverly; 5 children: Donald (Corrine) Sparby of Belleville, Ruth (Gary) Baker of Baraboo, Wanda (Rick) Micklos of Lostant, IL, Scott (Tammy) Sparby of Janesville and Linda (Randy) Nash of Janesville; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; a brother, Elmer (Arlene) Sparby of Arkdale, WI; sister-in-law, Arlene Sparby of Montello; brother-in-law, Jacob Jacobson of Arkdale; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and 2 siblings, Donald Sparby and Sadah Jacobson.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2012, at TRINITY FREE LUTHERAN CHURCH with Rev. George Calhoun officiating. Burial will be in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. Visitation will take place on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at TRINITY FREE LUTHERAN CHURCH. The family is being assisted by SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY.