Tom passed away Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 18, 2021, at the Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center in Fairmont. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Thomas Arthur Sparks was born May 25, 1951, in Fairmont, Minn., the son of Lester and Patricia (Nessett) Sparks. Tom received his education attending Fairmont public schools and graduated from Fairmont High School he then went on to attend Mankato State University in Mankato, Minn. On Oct. 20, 1973, Tom was united in marriage to Linda Meschke at Fairmont United Methodist Church. Together, the couple made their home in Fairmont and were blessed with two children, Jay and Kristy. Tom worked in purchasing at Railway Motors for many years and later worked as an operator at 3M until his retirement in 2014. Tom was a member of the United Methodist Church in Fairmont and served his community for 35 years as a member of the Fairmont Fire Dept. where he served in many officer positions including fire chief. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed watching and attending Minnesota Gopher hockey games. He had a passion for the outdoors and looked forward to long days spent out on the lake fishing, especially for musky and cool fall days spent hunting with family and friends. Tom was never one to pass up an opportunity to take a photo of a beautiful sunrise or sunset and loved taking his dog Reagan for walks. Tom treasured time spent with his grandchildren and as their “Papa,” he loved to spoil them. He had a sweet tooth and was never one to pass up an extra dessert or a classy restaurant. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Linda Sparks of Fairmont, Minn.; son, Jay Sparks and his wife, Kira of Bloomington, Minn.; daughter, Kristy Peterson and her husband, Phil of St. James, Minn.; grandchildren, Rylie Peterson and Hayden Peterson; brothers, Jeff Sparks of Fairmont, and Richard Sparks and his wife, Tammie of Kansas City, Kan.; brother-in-law, Pat Meschke and his wife, Carol of Fairmont; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Les and Pat Sparks; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harvey and Dorothy Meschke; and his four-legged friend, Reagan.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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