Paul Sparks, 1945-2014

Published 11:59 am Thursday, June 5, 2014

Memorial services for Paul T. Sparks will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea.  The Rev. Timothy T. Reker and Deacon Mike Ellis will officiate.  Interment will be in St Theodore Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with family from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and one hour before the service at the church. There will be a prayer service at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Paul Sparks

Paul Twain Sparks  was born on Jan. 21, 1945, in Chillicothe, Mo. He graduated from Central High School in St. Joseph, Mo., in 1967 and Northwest Missouri State in 1971.  He obtained his master’s degree from the University of Missouri in public administration.

Paul married Judith Tahir on May 11, 1969. They resided in Kansas City, North Kansas City and moved to Albert Lea in 1978. Paul began his career as city manager in North Kansas City and served as the city manager for the city of Albert Lea for 27 years until 2004, and as economic development director until 2007.

After being introduced by a close family friend, Paul married Camilla Kolker on Aug. 21, 1999, and continued living in Albert Lea.

Paul was very active in his community, serving on many state and local boards. Among the many, Paul was president of the Minnesota City Manager’s Association and served on the board of directors of the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. Most recently, he served as chairman of the Freeborn County Communities Foundation Fund and was instrumental in assisting the Albert Lea Art Center in finding its future location in the historic Freeborn National Bank building.

His career and work activities did not define Paul. He was a devoted husband to Camilla, loving father to Mary and his four stepsons and cherished his six grandchildren. He was a loyal friend, a good listener, animal lover, problem solver and mentor to many. Paul enjoyed traveling, a good poker game and a Johnny Walker Red and soda. Last, but not least, Paul loved Albert Lea.

Paul passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.   He was 69.

Paul is survived by his wife, Camilla; daughter, Mary (John) Schulte; brother, Jack; sister, Peggy; stepsons Chris Kolker, Jim Kolker, Dan (Angie) Kolker and Pat (Laura) Kolker, and six grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Judith; his parents, Paul T. Sparks Sr. and Mary E. Sparks, and sisters Shirley and Jean.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to St. Theodore’s School, Freeborn County Communities Foundation Fund or the Albert Lea Art Center.