Robert James Sparhawk Sr., age 72 of Stevens Point, passed peacefully after a valiant battle with Dementia on Monday October 6, 2014, at North Haven Assisted Living in Stevens Point.

He will forever be remembered as a solider serving years in the Army National Guard. He was under the care of Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice. Robert was born on December 25, 1941 in Stevens Point. He was the son of the late Charles and Philomena (Sharkey) Sparhawk.

He attended local schools. Robert served in the Army National Guard of Wisconsin for 32 years and was honorably discharged as a rank of Command Sargent Major.

His marriage to Janice Kiefer took place on May 11, 1963 at St. Stephens Catholic Church.

Robert worked for UPS and was owner and operator of Sparhawk Sales & Service and Sparhawk Transport Station.

He enjoyed snowmobiling with his son Robert, along with summer snowmobile drag races. Loved feeding the birds and was proud to serve his country. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandson Noah. He received the gift of a baby girl Jill Marie on his 24^th birthday. They had a long tradition of sharing their Christmas birthdays together.

Survivors include his wife, Janice Sparhawk of Stevens Point. Son, Robert Sparhawk Jr., of Hayward.

Daughter, Jill Sparhawk-Lamaide of Stevens Point. Brother, Lawrence (Nancy) Sparhawk of Rudolph. Brother-in-law, Jack Gardner of Iola. Grandson, Noah James.

Preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday October 9, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church Stevens Point with Rev. Dennis Stanchik officiating. Full Military Honors will follow the funeral mass at church. Burial will take place at a later date in the Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in King. Visitation on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Pisarski Funeral Homes of Stevens Point and Plover are assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com