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Asleep in Jesus on Saturday, September 6th, 2025.
Beloved husband of Sharon Sparwasser (nee Winkler); devoted father of the late Katie Maass (nee Sparwasser); cherished son of the late Roy and Gladys Sparwasser (nee Ruff); loving uncle of Emily Winkler, Sarah Winkler, Jennifer (Brad) Budsberg, Stephanie (Cody) Psencik, Shannon (Davy) Gregory, Shane (Dawn) Stanley; dearest brother in law of Barbara Rutledge, Rick (Karen) Winkler, Mark (Kyilene) Winkler, Susan Winkler, and the late Mike Winkler; dear son-in-law of the late Phil and Shirley Winkler; our dear great uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
If you had the opportunity to meet Bert and spend some time with him, his unique sense of humor and willingness to teach, mentor, listen, and collaborate on problem solving would become apparent. His forty-six-year career at Killark-Hubbell began as a summer help factory worker as he worked through various levels of responsibility to achieve the position of Manufacturing Manager by the time he retired in 2015.
Bert was a multi-faceted person who could converse about subjects ranging from sports including his favorite Mizzou football team to horticulture to farming which was honed as he grew up working summers over in Waterloo, Il on farms owned by his family and friends.
The stories he told which could entertain you for hours were complete with details of time, places, people and almost made you feel like you were there.
Bert has been a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church his whole life, having attended grade school at Holy Cross School and after graduating moving on to Lutheran High School South. From an early age, he was interested in music and focused on playing percussion instruments while participating in the Jazz band and school orchestra. His love for music transitioned him into the world of Drum Corps International which he shared with his family and friends.
His greatest love and source of pride was his daughter with whom he shared his love for music, sports, Killark, fantasy football, and all things Lutheran South. Katie will now be joined again with her Dad in their heavenly home.
Our memories keep our deceased loved ones close to us. If you have any “Bert memories” to share, please do so. Maybe we can all enjoy getting to know this wonderful person a little better.
Bert’s family has requested *NO FLOWERS* but they greatly appreciate any contributions to the American Heart Association or to Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd. 63123) on Monday, September 15th from 5:00 -9:00 PM. There will also be visitation on Tuesday, September 16th at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church (2650 Miami St. 63118) from 9:00 – 10:00 AM, with the funeral service at 10:00 AM. Interment at St. Trinity Cemetery (2160 Lemay Ferry Rd. 63125)
Please accept our condolences.
Bert was the greatest of friends–reliable, pleasant, conversational, interesting … on and on! He also was a stout Man of Faith rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ and backed by the Holy Spirit, uplifted by God the Father. I went through all of gradeschool (Holy Cross) with Bert plus four y ears at LHSS in St. Louis. We even maintained occassional contact via Holy Cross connections. His blessings to us will now be shared with those in heavernly glory in the Eternal Reunion of grace, love & peace. Well done, Faithful Servant of the Lord! Grace and strength be granted to his loved ones and friends.
Bert was truly one of the best. A co-worker at Killark, we developed a friendship and shared many stories. Bert always told the best stories and even had his own language. Some of my favorite words were Kerschlogin, hit it with a hammer, and Smucky, put some silicone on it.
His love of music and DCI gave us a common interest outside of work. We often shared copies of the performances and who had the best shows.
RIP buddy.
My sincere condolences to Sharon and to all of your family and friends. For the repose of Bert’s soul and your consolation I will be praying. May he and you know the Lord’s peace.
Bert and I were true Cardinal fans. I will miss our times we spent together watching Cardinal day games together over the past few years. He was my best friend and I will solely miss him.
I’m sorry and shocked to see Bert’s obituary this morning. I’ve known Bert since grade school. Good luck!
I was saddened to learn of Bert’s passing. We attended Holy Cross grade school .together. He was a wonderful person and will be missed.
It was a shock it here he passed. Been thinking about him and Sharon ever since I heard. They were my best friends I ever had at Killark. We 3 retired together the same day. May God Bless
I’m in Memphis and have problems getting around so I doubt if I can make the funeral.
Enjoyed reconnecting with Bert at Lutheran South class of ’68 reunions (after making the drive from Cincinnati to St. Louis). Bert always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. Wonderful sense of humor. We journeyed in lockstep on the K-12 Lutheran educational path — softball teams at Holy Cross, hooking up on Friday nights at the old Granada theater on Gravois, bandmates at LHSS. Bert was one of the true characters I’ve known in my 75 years. Condolences to his loved ones. RIP, buddy.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8.
My condolences to Sharon and family for the lost of your loved one.
I met Bert when I started working at Killark many years ago, he was a great help to me with all the old machinery, some of which I had never seen before , certainly got me through working on the night shift. He, Ed and I would go bowling every Thursday morning , we called the outing, “bowling for dollars” winner takes the dollars. We had loads of fun sorry to hear of his passing,
Rest well Bert!
My Condolences to Bert’s family he will never be forgotten. I always enjoyed talking to him at a church function.
Bert was such a kind gentleman, humble, loving, and funny. When I’d call to check on him with his health issues, he always cheered me up. I’ll miss his warm hugs in church, and his quick smile and wit. Bert’s faith in Jesus was his greatest, and most lasting gift from God. While we miss him now, I’ll get to spend eternity with Bert and listen to his warm jokes and stories and experience his loving friendship forever. Sharon, Bert loved Katie and you so much! You are in my prayers.
Bert was one of my first mentors at Killark when I started. My desk was right outside his office and he was always open to share advice and his knowledge that helped me learn Killark. I always appreciated his willingness to share his knowledge and help me progress in my early career days. I also enjoyed a great story from Bert and we always could discuss Mizzou or the Cardinals. Even after Bert’s retirement I looked forward to our once or twice a year lunches to catch up on life and swap stories. See you again one day Bert.
What an outstanding man Bert was. Looking at all the comments demonstrates his impact on the world around him. He was absolutely willing to do what was needed at Killark, even when I realized he had so many other pressures on him. A very witty guy, I so much loved my time working with him. My condolences to Sharon, I will keep you in my prayers. Bert was so good, the world is less by his passing.