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Dr Robert Dean Sparks

Birth	:	6 May 1932 Newton, Jasper County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	1 Jul 2014 Placerville, El Dorado County, California, USA
Burial	:	Wonsevu Cemetery, Chase County, USA
Coordinate	:	38.1547012, -96.7863998
Description	:	Dr. Robert Dean Sparks of El Dorado Hills, CA, died Monday, July 1, 2014, in Marshall Hospital, Placerville, CA. Dr. Sparks had been ill since the first of March. His death was caused by lung disease and complications of abdominal cancer. Dr. Sparks was born May 6, 1932, in Newton, IA. He is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert John Sparks (Josephine Kleinendorst). He grew up in Newton, IA, graduating from Newton High School in 1950. He received his BA degree and MD degree (1957) from the University of Iowa. He completed his graduate medical education at... Read More	Dr. Robert Dean Sparks of El Dorado Hills, CA, died Monday, July 1, 2014, in Marshall Hospital, Placerville, CA. Dr. Sparks had been ill since the first of March. His death was caused by lung disease and complications of abdominal cancer. Dr. Sparks was born May 6, 1932, in Newton, IA. He is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert John Sparks (Josephine Kleinendorst). He grew up in Newton, IA, graduating from Newton High School in 1950. He received his BA degree and MD degree (1957) from the University of Iowa. He completed his graduate medical education at Charity Hospital, New Orleans, and Tulane University School of Medicine where he specialized in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He joined the faculty of Tulane University School of Medicine and served as the Dean (1969-72). Dr. Sparks was one of the youngest deans of an accredited U.S. medical school. Dr. Sparks was Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, and Vice President of the University of Nebraska System (1972 -1976). In 1976, Dr. Sparks joined the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where he ultimately became President and a trustee of that Foundation (1982-1988). He was elected to membership in the prestigious Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences in 1988. International activities include being a Fellow of the U.S.-China Educational Institute (now Wildflowers Institute) and being a member of the five-physician U.S. Delegation for medical exchanges with the U.S.S.R. under the sponsorship of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the U.S.S.R. Academy of Medical Sciences in 1988. Dr. Sparks was elected to the Board of Directors of Syntex Corporation, a multinational pharmaceutical company, in December 1987. He later served as that Corporation's Vice-President for Product Safety and Compliance (1991-93). He was the first President and CEO of the California Medical Association Foundation (CMAF) from 1995 to 1998 and was a Senior Associate of the CMAF. Dr. Sparks was a Fellow and Master of the American College of Physicians and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society at Tulane University School of Medicine. He received an honorary Doctor of Humanitarian Service Degree from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1978. The University of Iowa has honored Dr. Sparks twice. He was designated a Distinguished Alumnus for Achievement by the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1998 and honored by the University's Alumni Association by being presented its 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award for Achievement. He has written articles and spoken widely in the fields of internal medicine, gastroenterology, alcohol and drug addictions, health planning and policy, leadership development, philanthropy, and education. In his retirement, Dr. Sparks was appointed to the Community Advisory Committee of the TASER Foundation (2005-2010) and was elected to its Board of Directors as Chairperson in 2006. He was elected to serve two terms (2009-2015) on the Board of Directors of KVIE, a PBS member television station in Sacramento, CA. Survivors include: Dr. Gwynn C. Akin, with whom he has shared his life and love for more than 22 years; his brother, Ronald Sparks (Ruth) of Phoenix, AZ; an uncle, Bernard "Bob" Kleinendorst (Dorothy) of Newton, IA; a nephew, Rodney Sparks (Julie) of Iowa City, IA; a niece, Mrs. Rick Hawkins (Ruby) of Rock Springs, WY; and several cousins, including Kenneth Sparks (Marjorie) of Roseville. His three children, who reside in Illinois, also survive him: Steven Sparks (Lee); Mrs. Ann Feldman (John); and Dr. John Sparks. Dr. Robert Sparks has two stepdaughters: Mrs. Carrie Parham (Mark) of El Dorado Hills, CA, and Mrs. Margaret Guilbault (Richard) of Phoenix, AZ. He has five grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. Dr. Sparks took pleasure in watching Iowa football, learning from reading non-fiction, researching his family tree, and traveling all over the world with Dr. Akin. They traveled annually to dine at his adored Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans. His favorite city was Florence, Italy, and his annual trips to Hawaii with his family held a special place in his heart. It was Dr. Sparks' wish to be buried in his hometown of Newton, IA. Services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Newton. He was laid to rest at Newton Memorial Park Cemetery, Garden of Gethsemane in Lot 30 B on August 31, 2014. Robert Dean Sparks, MD, FACP, MACP May 6, 1932—July 1, 2014 Robert Sparks was a self-made man. He succeeded in everything he undertook through hard work and determination. He had definite opinions that he shared freely, yet he was a private man. He was not afraid to take risks or champion the truth. Robert was a mentor who had a positive influence on many lives. He was proud to be an American from Iowa. He was reliable and loyal to his friends and family, making extra efforts to stay in touch with them. He was a good listener and a superb confidant. Robert truly cared for his patients, students, and people who sought his advice on any subject. He was a visionary leader who established plans and programs that have lasted for decades. He was philanthropic and generous with his time; he would help anyone who asked him. He had a commanding, clear voice and striking snow-white hair. He was a keen observer of people and could predict behavior and health status extremely well. His smile and laugh were infectious. He was compulsive about labeling and dating everything he possessed. Robert was an enthusiastic traveler and had the curiosity to learn about each place we visited. He was an extraordinary man of many talents. During his final illnesses, he was touched by the outpouring of messages, calls, and visits from those who cared about him. He treasured every interaction. He was grateful to the literally hundreds of health care professionals who cared for him, and always thanked those who attended to him. His bravery during that trying time was amazing. Robert was an active participant in his treatment decisions; he was alert and fully aware until his passing. It was a joy and privilege to share my life with him. With love, Gwynn

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Dr Robert Dean Sparks's memorial?
Dr Robert Dean Sparks's memorial is located at: Wonsevu Cemetery, Chase County, USA.
When did Dr Robert Dean Sparks death?
Dr Robert Dean Sparks death on 1 Jul 2014 in Placerville, El Dorado County, California, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Dr Robert Dean Sparks's memorial?
Latitude: 38.1547012
Longitude: -96.7863998

Family Members:

Parent

Albert John Sparks

(1903 - 1969)

Josephine Emma Kleinendorst Sparks

(1912 - 1995)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Wonsevu Cemetery
Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1547012, -96.7863998

2. Griffith Cemetery
Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1913986, -96.8118973

3. Homestead Cemetery
Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2022018, -96.6952972

4. Cedar Point Cemetery
Cedar Point, Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2397003, -96.8253021

5. Burns Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0921380, -96.8775270

6. Burns Catholic Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0909600, -96.8775300

7. Drinkwater Cemetery
Cedar Point, Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2619019, -96.8236008

8. First Mennonite Church Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1008880, -96.9130270

9. Allison Cemetery
Florence, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2238998, -96.9328003

10. Ice Cemetery
Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2924800, -96.7594600

11. Eden Mennonite Cemetery
Butler County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0410000, -96.8958610

12. Summit Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1291940, -96.9684720

13. Hillcrest Cemetery
Florence, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2532997, -96.9282990

14. Cassoday Cemetery
Cassoday, Butler County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0433006, -96.6568985

15. Clements Cemetery
Clements, Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3040900, -96.7438800

16. Mount Calvary Cemetery
Florence, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.2303009, -96.9589005

17. Ebenezer Methodist Cemetery
Butler County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0355830, -96.9142770

18. Montgomery Cemetery
Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.3196983, -96.8364029

19. Matfield Green Cemetery
Matfield Green, Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1519012, -96.5578003

20. Whitewater Center Cemetery
Burns, Marion County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1012220, -97.0053610

21. Pleasant Center Cemetery
Potwin, Butler County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0431940, -96.9686110

22. Brandley Cemetery
Matfield Green, Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1197500, -96.5499300

23. Mann Family Cemetery
Matfield Green, Chase County, USA
Coordinate: 38.1061800, -96.5406800

24. Ridgeway Cemetery
Butler County, USA
Coordinate: 37.9550018, -96.8557968