Albert John Sparr Jr., 97

Albert John Sparr Jr., 97, laid down his working tools to join his heavenly Father on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.

Albert “Red” was born in Bozeman on Jan. 24, 1925, the eldest of four children born to Albert John Sparr Sr. and Zelda Koch Sparr. He grew up on the homestead in Bridger Canyon, Bozeman. He spent his youth working on the ranch and for the Climbing Arrow Ranch out of Bozeman.

Albert enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp on April 5, 1943, and served in the Pacific with the 4th Marine Division. He received the Purple Heart on Saipan, June 1944, as a BAR rifleman. He served during the Korean Conflict as a drill sergeant in San Diego.

Albert married Virginia Lee Sale on April 10, 1946. They returned to Montana, settling in the Flathead Valley where they raised two sons, Albert John Sparr III, and Gary Lee Sparr. Albert worked for Great Northern Railroad as a switchman in Whitefish. He left this job to work on Hungry Horse Dam, where he became an iron worker. After the dam’s completion, he worked at the Anaconda Aluminum Plant, later retiring as iron worker superintendent after 30 years. He was an active horseman. Known as a rodeo cowboy, he qualified for the Old Timers National Finals Rodeo. In 1967 he brought the Montana State High School Rodeo finals to Kalispell. He was always known for his horse skills and willingness to help and teach others.

Albert was a 66-year member of Columbia Falls Lodge No. 89 and a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert John Sparr Sr. and Zelda Koch, two brothers, one sister and one grandchild, Thomas Lee Sparr.

Albert is survived by his wife of 76 years, Virgina Lee; two sons, Albert John Sparr III and his wife Kathleen Fuller Sparr, of Sun City Arizona, and Gary Lee Sparr and his wife Mary Hagstom Sparr of Belgrade; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and services will be announced at a later date.