James Oliver Sponberg, 102, passed away on February 27, 2018, in Austin, Texas. He was born to John and Mary Sponberg on September 29, 1915, in Elgin, Texas, the last of eight children. Oliver was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, as well as friend and mentor to many.
Oliver moved with his family to Austin in 1927, at the age of 12. There, while in the 7th grade, he met his future wife, Anita Disch. They were married on February 26, 1949, and spent 51 years together until Anita's death in 2000.
Oliver Sponberg graduated from Austin High School in 1933, and thereafter attended the University of Texas in the School of Engineering, where he was a member of the Longhorn band. In 1935, Oliver began his 44 year career with Davidson Sash and Door Company in Austin, rising to the level of Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Company's offices in Austin and San Antonio, before retiring in 1979. Oliver's career at Davidson Sash and Door was only interrupted by his service during World War II in the Navy, as an instructor in maritime signaling, from 1943 through 1945.
Oliver was a gifted man, particularly in his ability to befriend people and influence them in positive ways. He excelled in sports, playing tennis and then golf until the age of 86. In his later years, his objective was always to be able to shoot his age. He said it got easier with the passing of each year. Perhaps Oliver's favorite sport was boating. He always owned a boat and spent many years cruising Lake Travis while spending time at his lake house. Oliver was an excellent skier well into middle age and was widely known for teaching countless younger relatives and friends how to ski.
Oliver Sponberg was a devoted Christian, exhibiting his Christian character to all he encountered. He was a member of the University United Methodist Church from the time he moved to Austin in 1927 until his death. He served many years on the Building and Grounds Committee and was Treasurer of the Couples Class for 25 consecutive years.
Oliver Sponberg is survived by his son, Ronald T. Sponberg (wife Barbara) of Houston, and his daughter, Sharla Lehrmann (partner Teresa), of Austin. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer Sponberg Whalen and Carolyn Sponberg Bagchi, of Houston, and Sarah Lehrmann Bromiel of Golden, Colorado, and Lisa Lehrmann of Austin. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren.
For the last 15 years of his life, Oliver Sponberg resided at Westminster Manor in Austin. The family wishes to express its thanks to Johnny Overton, Leora March, and Charlie Wormley, three of his devoted caregivers during this time.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 2, 2018, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, located at 3125 N. Lamar, in Austin. Interment will be at Austin Memorial Park. Following the interment there will be to be a catered reception at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Oliver Sponberg's memory to the University United Methodist Church, Austin, or to Hospice Austin.
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