Rodger Franklin Sparks

Rodger passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, January 19, 2024 after suffering from an infection and fractured hip.  Nothing ever slowed Rodger down.  His fighting spirit and positive approach to life were with him until the end. 

 Rodger was born on December 28, 1938 in Ogden, Utah to his parents, Rodger Franklin Sparks, Sr. and Alice R. Sparks. He was the oldest of two children. 

 As a teenager, Rodger helped at his parent’s prominent catering business. From that time forward, he was always willing to share his culinary talents with others. He was an award-winning cake baker and decorator, even though he claimed he was “not much of a cake guy.”  

 Rodger met JoAnn, the love of his life, when she moved to America from Holland and settled in two houses down from his parents’ home. They were soon inseparable! They were  married and sealed in the Logan Utah temple on November 15, 1962 and enjoyed sixty-one wonderful years together. 

 Rodger retired from L-3 Communications where he worked for 50 years as a tool and die maker. He worked  on a variety of military projects including satellites, drones, and combat aircraft. Over the span of his career,  he loved being part of the ever-changing world of technology. 

 Rodger’s hobbies included fishing, listening to jazz music, yard work, and most of all, spending time with his family. He loved to travel and experience new things and places. Rodger was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

 Rodger is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn, his children, Pamela (Bruce) Logan,  Kimberly, Robert (Monica) and his grandchildren, Matthew and Fynnlee. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judith Kunkel.

 In honor of Rodger’s wishes, a small private family gathering will be held to honor and remember his wonderful life. Friends may visit with family Sunday, January 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah.