Ivan Charles Sparks

Ivan Charles Sparks Thomas Township Passed away February 10, 2013, at Bradenton, Florida. Age 86 years. The son of the late Ferdinand and Mildred (Stoddard) Sparks was born January 23, 1927 in Saginaw, Michigan and graduated from Arthur Hill High School, Class of 1944. He married Shirley D. Burleson, June 22, 1946. She passed away September 24, 1983. Later he married Marilyn Knight, April 28, 1984. She survives him. Ivan engaged in farming in Thomas Township all of his life. He was a member of Swan Valley United Methodist Church where he had served as Treasurer. At the age of 14 he served as President of his 4H Club. He had served on the Swan Valley School Board; and as a Trustee of Thomas Twp; President of the Saginaw County Fair and worked with the Chili Cook Off for several years; President of the Saginaw County Farm Bureau and it's Credit Union and Oil Board. He was given the honor of becoming a member of the Hall of Fame for farmers. He was a director of the A.S.C.S. Ivan was a member of the Saginaw Lodge #77 F the Bay City Consistory; the Eastern Star; Hillbilly Clan Outhouse #2; Court 74 of the Royal Order of Jesters; the Elf Khurafeh Temple where he served as Potentate in 2009; a member of the Cabiri Club and enjoyed attending functions of the Saheib Temple while staying in Bradenton, FL. Ivan was a member of the Provost Guard, honorary member of the Arab Patrol, a member of American Legion, Brotherhood of the Elks, Loyal Order of the Moose, Polasky Club and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Surviving besides his wife, Marilyn, are a daughter, Connie Hollenback; a son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Eve Sparks; six grandchildren and their spouses, Leann and Steve Slasinski; Joseph and Kristine Sparks; Scott and Kelly Hollenbeck; Jennifer Rosser; Kelli and Rob Benson; Jodi and D.J. Henson; fourteen great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Harold and Lloyd Sparks. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2013, at Swan Valley United Methodist Church, 9265 Geddes RD. Saginaw. Rev. Rob Richards will officiate with entombment in Oakwood Mausoleum. Friends may call at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, 201 N. Miller Rd. from 2:00-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Friday where the Saginaw Masonic Lodge #77 F & A.M. will conduct a memorial service at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Friends may then call at the Church from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of the funeral service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Swan Valley United Methodist Church or the Shriners Children's Transportation Fund. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel
201 N. Miller Rd
Saginaw, MI 48609