George F. Sparks, 87, of Portage, passed away peacefully on February 18th at his home. He was born May 25th, 1929 in the Town of Cassian, Wisconsin, the son of Hanford and Lily (Iverson) Sparks. He enlisted in the Army and served as an MP in Korea from 1951-53. He married Vivian Retherford in April, 1953 and they enjoyed 45 years of marriage until her death in 1998. He married Kathleen Aird Wolf in 1999 and they enjoyed many wonderful travels and years of love. George retired to Portage after working for Central Steel & Wire in Milwaukee for 35 years. He was an avid golfer and his retirement years were filled with travel and volunteer service for DAV, Meals on Wheels, Bethlehem Lutheran Church and at Divine Savior Hospital. George was an active member of the VFW and American Legion in Portage, serving in many ways.   He is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Katherine Sparks of Madison; son Tim (Julie) Sparks of Madison; step-daughters Kim (Mike) Asal, Karen Butterfield (Daryl Peck), Karla Jackson, Katherine (Tony) Silva; sister Bernice Klos; grandchildren Gregg, Kristen, Kyle and Daniel Sparks, Justin Kaat; Zach and Aidan Asal, Amanda and Carl Butterfield, Bradley Jackson, and Morgan (Varin) Wall; and many nieces and nephews. George will be deeply missed by all.   He was preceded in death by his first wife Vivian, brothers Harlow and Lloyd Sparks and sisters Marjorie Langton and Gertrude Hanson.   Funeral services for George will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Portage) on Friday, February 24th at 11:00am. Visitation will be at the church from 9 until the time of the service.   The family would like to thank the Columbia County Sheriff's Department, the EMT's from Divine Savior Hospital and the Doctors and staff of the VA Hospital in Madison for many years of caring service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in George's memory. Burial will take place at a later date. Service Details. Visitation

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Portage, Wisconsin

From 9 till 11 a.m.

Map to Visitation Place

Service Bethlehem Lutheran Church Portage, Wisconsin 11:00 a.m. Map to Service Place Interment Prairie Rapids Cemetery Town of Nokomis - Rural Tomahawk, Wisconsin Map to Interment Location Memorial Contributions Please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Georges name.