John Robert Sparenberg , 88, of West Lafayette & formerly of Fowler, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024, doing what he loved; sitting on his John Deere watching the world go by. He was born July 28, 1936, in Iroquois County, IL, to the late Robert & Elna (Shule) Sparenberg. He was a 1955 graduate of Gilman High School. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" (Woodlock) Sparenberg, July 20, 1957, in Dunnington; she survives. John started farming at 8 years old & never retired. He lived & farmed in Benton County for 48 years until he pretended to retire & resided in Tippecanoe County. John loved restoring antique tractors & spent many hours at a card table playing cards with friends. He also loved camping at Summer's/Klumpe campground. He told many tall-tales & could always convince you it was the truth, with a twinkle in his eye & a slight grin. John's love of farming & antique tractors will live on through his family. But for now, he's in Heaven, driving his John Deere tractor with a grin.

John leaves behind the love of his life, his Wife, Betty Sparenberg, his Children, Rita (Dale) Wolff, Gene (Rita) Sparenberg, Merle (Connie) Sparenberg, Julie (Mike) Braunschweig & Peggy (Clint) Barnard, 16 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren, Sister, Carol (Jim) Albrecht & Brother-in-Law, Richard Woodlock. He is preceded in death by his Sister & Brother-in-Law, Loretta (Lorenz) Zummallen.

Visitation will be, Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 4 to 8 PM, with Rosary at 4 PM at Shoemaker Funeral Home, Otterbein. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 20, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 504 S. Michigan St., Oxford, with Father Sean Aaron officiating. Burial will be at St Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Dunnington. In Lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic School, 607 N. Washington Ave., Fowler, IN 47944. Visit www.shoemakerfh.com or Shoemaker Funeral Home- Otterbein, Indiana Facebook page to leave any condolences or to share a memory of John.