Elmer Sparrow
Elmer Sparrow, age 90, of 1528 Oak, died on Sunday, November 18, 2018 in Sunset Home. He was born on April 1, 1928 in Quincy, Illinois the son of Frank & Helen (Hayes) Sparrow.
He married Florine ‘Flo’ Altgilbers on January 20, 1951. She preceded him in death on December 13, 2017.
Elmer served in the US Navy during WWII and was stationed aboard the USS Osborne. Elmer was a plumber for the William Gold Plumbing and Heating Co for over 35 years. In 1984 he joined with his son in Sparrow Plumbing until his retirement. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. He greatly enjoyed watching Quincy Notre Dame Football and Basketball. Elmer loved his faithful canine companion, ‘Muffy’. Mostly, though, he loved his family and spending time with them.
The Sparrow family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the caregivers and staff of the Sunset Home and the Blessing Hospice for the wonderful care given to Elmer.
Elmer is survived by:
ELEVEN CHILDREN: Kenneth (Bonita) Sparrow; Thomas (Carol) Sparrow; Jane (Michael) Grant; William “Gene” (Ashley) Sparrow; Diane (Kent) Andrew; Russ (Judy) Sparrow; Robert (Joan) Sparrow; Elaine (Rick) Fesler; Roger Sparrow; Lisa (Greg) Arens; and Richard (Lucy) Sparrow.
35 GRANDCHILDREN: Kenny (Tanya) Sparrow; Jennifer (Mike) Kerker; Greg (Mary) Meyer; Melissa (Matt) Drew; Dave (Tawnya) Sparrow; John (Jaimee) Sparrow; Michelle Hincks; Kristie (Jason) Meyer; Ashley (Matt) Daly; Todd Grant; Tina (Darrell) Liesen; Erin (Matt) Jennings; Brandon (Courtney) Grant; Jason (Jessica) Sparrow; Shawn (Maria) Sparrow; Nathan Sparrow; Laura (Ryan) Lawrence; Adam (Sarah) Andrew; Elizabeth (John) Lammers; Alan Sparrow; Sarah Young; Matthew (Janelle) Sparrow; Amanda (David) Leming; Emily (Brad) Bunch; Lane (Jenna) Sparrow; Talyn (Jenni) Fesler; Richard “Ryan” (Ashley) Fesler; Kylor (Stacey) Fesler; Jordan (Marie) Sparrow; Sam (Jasmine) Sparrow; Cody (Jaclyn) Arens; Lucas Arens; Logan Arens; Kyle Sparrow and Grace Sparrow.
65 Great Grandchildren;
SISTERS: Helen Vollbracht and Phyllis Koch.
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
In addition to his wife, Elmer was also preceded in death by his parents, a sister Margaret Thompson and 2 siblings, Don and Mary Ann Sparrow in infancy.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 9:30 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 AM in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted at the cemetery by the Navy Honor Detail and the American Legion Post #37 Burial Detail. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Quincy Notre Dame High School, St. Francis Catholic School, the Sunset Home or to Quincy Medical Group Cancer Care. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Sorry to hear about Elmer; he led a full life, leaving a loving family.
To the entire Sparrow family:
It is with great sorrow that I read the news of Elmer’s passing. Quincy has lost a truly great family, and business leader. He and Flo were pillars to all of you, and many of us. I cannot remember too many QND games where they weren’t in the stands or on the sidelines. I know they loved their family above all else. The Sparrows are as tight-knit as they come. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need in the days ahead, and that HE fills your hearts and souls with only the fond memories you shared with Elmer. God Bless.
Lonny
So sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. Condolences from the Richard L Sullivan Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family during this time of great loss. Elmer always lit up a room with his presence. He was a wonderful man and was loved by all. Heaven has a wonderful angel watching over all of you. Rest in peace Elmer, you will be greatly missed by all who knew you.
What a blessing he was. His legacy will always live on. Because of Flo and Emers love, 100 people were born !
Thank you for all the wonderful memories I’ll hold of you. You touched my heart. I would like to give my condolences and heart felt sympathy to the family. Elmer was one of a kind!
So sorry to hear of Elmers passing, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Elmer was a good guy, RIP Elmer.
I will forever hold all the wonderful memories I have with you. I enjoyed all of our conversations and your family. You were a wonderful man who has deeply touched my heart. I would like to give my condolences and heart felt sympathy to the family. I will always remember you. Heaven has gained a new angel!
Roger
Praying you and your family during this difficult time.
Karen Power
So sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
Elaine, Russ & entire family we are sorry for the loss of your dad. Prayers for you all.