Gene P. Sparapani

He was born May 8, 1955, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Ernest and Carol (Peterson) Sparapani. Gene graduated from Kingsford High School, class of 1973.

Following inspiration from his father, Gene worked as a pipefitter for Local Union 111 in Escanaba, from 1974 until his retirement in 2009, as well as MJ Electric. He had many good memories with colleagues and travel for his work. Gene married Emily Marciulionis on Oct. 20, 2007, in Iron Mountain.

Gene was a knowledgeable man. He loved watching the New York Yankees and has very fond memories of watching those games with his dad on Saturday afternoons as a boy. He was also an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Red Wings, the University of Michigan and Michigan State, PGA golf, military aircraft, and commercial planes.

Gene learned to fly and had his pilot’s license for a short time. He also enjoyed hunting deer, rabbits, and birds, as well as shooting trap with his 682 Baretta trap-gun. Gene also loved snowmobiling, doing crossword puzzles, cooking his famous spaghetti, chili and venison scallopini. He had many fond memories of pig roasts back in the day with his family and playing trivia with Cookie and Darlene.

Gene enjoyed his camp getaway with Brad Maki and get-togethers with his friends, especially Debbie and Ma Sliek, Jimmy Strutz, Paula, and Dave Maracinni, as well as Perry Jacobs and the gang playing cards on Wednesday’s.

Survivors include his loving wife of 13 years, Emily; two daughters, Ashley (Jon Ryan) Reed and Gina (Eric) Irving; two brothers, Marvin Sparapani and Ted (Marge) Sparapani, both of Breitung Township; two granddaughters, Piper and Millie Reed and baby Gemma Irving on the way; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by one brother, Ross Sparapani.

Visitation will be Friday, June 25, from 9 until 11 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Armstrong Creek, Wis. The Funeral Mass will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Fr. Robert Chinnapan will officiate. Burial will take place in Glenwood Cemetery in Goodman, Wis.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Gene’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain, to honor Gene’s legacy of life.