Obit: Szpara, John Craig (1969 - 2009)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Szpara, Szypara, Witalis, Hornden, Sromek, Lis, Cameron, Carson, Sexauer, Dhein 
 

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) September 2, 2009  
 

Szpara, John Craig (8 March 1969 - 23 August  2009) 
 

John Craig Szpara, 40, of Fall Creek passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2009 at home with his family by his side. 
 

He was born on March 8, 1969 in Stanley, the son of John and Doris (Witalis) Szypara of Lublin.  He graduated from Gilman High School Class of 1987.  In 1993 he graduated from CVTC with a degree in marketing.  He married Erin Hornden on June 17, 1995.   
 

He worked at Charlton Group in Eau Claire for 14 ½ years.  John was an avid historian.  He enjoyed collecting World War II items and speaking to soldiers who served.  He was especially fascinated with the aircraft and air campaigns, never missing an opportunity to see those vintage birds, whether in flight or on display.  He was a determined person, never letting life stop him from helping anyone and everyone, which is why he was an organ donor.  John and his family toured Germany in 2007, which was his lifelong dream.  His daughter, Sabra was the most important person in his life.  John was a loving family man. 
 

He is survived by his wife, Erin and daughter, Sabra of Fall Creek; his parents, John and Doris Szpara of Lublin; two sisters: Marilyn (George) Sromek of Madison, and Renee (David) Lis of Thorp; his brother, Daniel (Tami) Szpara of Withee; his father and mother-in-law, Dennis and Sylvia Hornden of Hayward; sisters-in-law: Marge (Andy) Cameron of Salem, Ohio, Mary (Dwayne) Carson of Mendon, MA, and Amy (Jeff) Sexauer of La Crosse and many nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends and Neighbors. 
 

He was preceded in death by a sister, Angel Szypara, grandparents, uncles and aunts.  
 

Visitation was at Prock, Stokes & Mundt Funeral Home in Altoona.  A Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Eau Claire on August 27, 2009 with Rev. William Dhein officiating.   
 

Pallbearers were his six nephews: Jordan Sromek, Alex Sromek, Russell Lis, Black Lis, Cole Szpara and Devin Szpara. 
 

John, we all love you very much and are so blessed to have been a  part of your wonderful life.  You will be missed, so missed, but never forgotten. Remember we only say so long, but never "Goodbye." Till we meet again.