Judy, we are very sorry to hear of Russ's passing.  We know he is making great music in a better place then on this earth.  We remember him fondly and wish you the best always.  Russ, congratulations on your graduation from the school of life.  We know it is difficult to say goodby to those who are graduating before us.  As we all will soon graduate,we will hopefully,all be together again in the great reunion.  God had blessed you with the talent for music and now he has blessed you with a new body and well being as promised in His holy word.  I, Loran, remember fondly the conversations we had down around the pool table in the basement while our wives were up stairs sharing.  In loving memory, your brother and sister in Christ, Loran & Alice Yunevich, Hopkinsville, KY

russ was so talented & gifted. even though he suffered with his own health he ministered to me during my severe health & life crisis in 95. he also made my daughters wedding a spendid event in music. my sympathies & prayers to you judy!

April 9, 2010
Judy & Family, I didn't know Russ very well but thru Family I knew that he was a Christian and faithful Servant of God.I had the priviledge of hearing him play the piano - what wonderful talent & he used it for God! My heart is full of sadness that the world has lost such a great person even through all his suffering. My heart breaks for Judy & Family. Love, Aunt Shirley

Russ was one of the best worship leaders we have ever heard.  We always counted it a blessing that he was also our friend.  When we think of Russ we remember a lot of good times together.  He and Judy were close to us and we love them both.  Judy, we know God will be with you and sustain you.  You, of course, will miss Russ as a husband, lover and friend.  We will miss him as a friend.     We love you and we loved Russ.         Bob & Jan

Judy,
   After all these years of working and vanpooling with you, I never really got to know Russ.  But from reading the comments in this guest book, it sounds like I missed an opportunity to get to know a good man.  I'm so sorry for your loss Judy.  You've got a lot of stress in your life right now, so stay strong !!

I met Russ and Judy in College at EIU and was his room mate for 1-2 years. So, for those who don't know, Russ was a little different. Usually, a guy dates a cheerleader, well Russ was the cheerleader starting to date Judy. Yes, Russ was a cheerleader for the EIU football team. Well, I guess the relationship for Russ & Judy started at EIU and the rest is history. 

I also had opportunities to hear his playing & singing during college. I attended their wedding in August about one month after mine in 1978.  

I respect his ability to endure the dialysis, several organ transplants and continue to worship God with all his heart, regardless of his ongoing health issues or environment. 

I never was able to play golf with him, buy maybe that was a good thing.

My walk with the Lord strengthened the day Judy walked into my life and of course Russ came right along with her. They nurtured my budding relationship with our Lord. Watching Russ as he worshipped our Father was truly a blessed thing to witness - He was consumed by his love for Jesus and now he is singing with Jesus. (and swinging a golf club!)

I think God put Russ in my path for a reason.  It was an unlikely friendship from the start. We, seemingly, had nothing in common, Russ was soft spoken, but sharp as a knife. I was, and am, kind of loud and boorish. He was a brilliant, trained musician and I just banged out chords all day and wrote gospel and country songs.  I got to know him slowly.  Judy, Laurie (my wife) Russ and I found ourselves leading a home worship/study group and I learned that his dedication to God, his humor, his music was not so different than mine.  I simply needed to practice.. I needed to engage someone like Russ with my theology, my dialogue and my music to increase my own understanding. In a very short time I loved this unlikely friend and the love of his life, Judy.  I still do.  

Russ led worship and gave  his testimony at our church one day.  I was involved with a ministry at the Alton Mental Health Center forensics unit (Prison). Even though Russ's earthly troubles were with his physical health, I knew he could reach the men and women in Alton with his story.  When I asked him to come, he did not hesitate to lead worship.  He even let me knock out a few tunes with him.  It's amazing how much fun it is to play with a true musician!  In the most literal sense, they were dancing in the aisles!  How fun!  A few days after Russ preached at Alton, he was, again, in the hospital.  The prisoners asked me about him and prayed for him each time I went back.  "How's the piano guy doing?  Is he OK?, can we pray for him? will you hug him for me?"

"He freed a lot of people, but it seems the good they just die young.I just turned around and he was gone." 
"Abraham, Martin & John", Dick Holler, 1968

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dHvYB5JdSs

Love and blessings to all his family and friends,
Steven

I grew up in a different "religion" and had never known the type of music that Russ played and sang. I instantly fell in love with it and the Night of Praise. Thank you Russ for the tremendous impact that you've had in my life because of your God given talent! I'm sure our Heavenly Father is so pleased with you!

I played guitar behind Russ at the New Year's bash and remember being amazed at how animated he was for someone with major health issues.  He was inspired by music and he infected all those around him with that same love.

Thanks Russ.  We will play again.

My thoughts are with your extended family at this time.

 The Band in Heaven sounds a whole lot better now that Russ is there. Jerry & the Lamp-Liters

Dear Judy:

Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you.  Russ ministered to many in the gifts his Father gave him, now he is ministering to the Father Himself. 

God's comfort.  

Love,

Judy,
My prayers are certainly with you during this time of loss.  I know you have been through so much in the past few years.  May your faith continue to strengthen you and carry you through the days to come.

Judy,

We truly loved Russ and his service to the Lord!  His gift for leading worship was a joy for many - we will remember serving with you and Russ at Gateway CC and helping out with NoP.  We're so thankful he is no longer suffering and is now with Jesus, dancing on streets of gold, and probably playing a keyboard for EoP (Eternity of Praise)!  We will miss him, but look forward to seeing him again in heaven!

The Bealers, Ted, Patti, Rachael, and Nathan

Judy,  Our prayers are with you and we know that the Good Lord will be with you during these days.  Our Heavenly Father is faithful to those who turn everything over to him.  Don Jones (Belleville, IL)

We grieve with Judy and all the family, but celebrate Russ's graduation into the unhindered presence of the Lord, far away from transplants and dialysis.  Just the fullness of Christ.  

Our love and prayers continue.

Rich and Charlotte Bersett
and all our family

Judy,
It is hard to find words of comfort for you that have not already been said many times.  My heart breaks for you, friend.  God bless you.

I was so sad to hear of the passing of my friend Russ. Although I havent seen him for a while, I'll always remember the special times when he and I would get together for coffee. We would talk for hours about our lives and share special moments of our King. He was always such an inspiration to me and was a good friend.  His time with so many people that he touched will never be forgotten. And his friendship will always be cherished. 
Till we meet again.....we'll see you soon.
Robert (Bob) Gilbert

Dear Judy and family, Russ was the best at all he did. Always smiling. I miss his music and enjoyed it while I attended church there. thanks to the one who donated to have him around just a little while longer. But now he is with Jesus and smiling just as this picture shows.

Teresa and I have fond memories of worshipping to praise songs with Russ at the keyboard. God bless you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Judy. We remember Russ' amazing gift of music, and are glad to know he is singing in Heaven.

Judy,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Judy, we fondly remember spirited discussions at committee meetings and, of course, the beautiful music Russ provided at our wedding.  God's blessings to you during these difficult days.

Dear Judy and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Russ's death.  We enjoyed when he came into our dental office, he always had a smile on his face and a great sense of humor even through difficult times.  We will miss him.
Dr. Michael Rehme and Staff

Feb 15th To Betty, Jerry and all your family. Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. All of us in the Young at Heart class, love you both, and I know each one is praying for your family. Rosalie and Buster Vinyard   Lilburn, Ga.

Judy, please accept our sincere condolences.  Jim and Melissa Francis (Swansea, IL)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jerry and Betty, as well as your family. We know that  your mother is finding this to be an especially difficult time, however,  we know she will find solace in knowing that Russell is in good care with our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Love to you and your family.  Keith and Inez Weikle  Loganville, Ga.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jerry and Betty, as well as your family. We know that  your mother is finding this to be an especially difficult time, however, she will find solace in knowing that Russell is in good care with our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Love to you and your family.  Keith and Inez Weikle  Loganville, Ga.

Russ was a phenominal musician, obedient servant and lover of our Lord Jesus Christ, faithful husband, my friend and beloved brother-in-law. You will be missed but I am happy for you to be where we all long to be, in the very presence of our Father. Can't wait to see your new body!

Judy and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Russ was a wonderful, amazing man.  
Ronald, Vicki, Brendan and Kent Lehman

Gerry, Betty, and Family,

We want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.  We know Russell suffered and now he is at rest.  Our God is good and he knows our every need.  We pray for safe travels for your family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Russell Russ Curtis Sparger

6 juillet 1955 – 11 février 2010

Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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