09/09/2019
Carmila May (Sparks) Onstank, age 91, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2019, at Homestead Assisted Living in Knoxville.
Carmila was born on November 24, 1927, in Knoxville, Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Opal (Shotwell) Sparks. She grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School, Class of 1945.
Carmila was united in marriage to the late Jack Robert Onstank in March of 1947. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage, before his passing in 1999. They were blessed with two children, Kristi and John.
Carmila worked in the selective service in the 1960s and then worked in the Knoxville School District for 30 years as a cook. She enjoyed camping and did so at the Iowa State Fair for over 20 years. She also square danced, played bingo, and mostly enjoyed being around her family, whom she loved dearly.
Carmilla’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019, at 2:00 P.M. at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville. Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. with Carmila’s family present to greet friends and relatives.
Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Following burial services, refreshments will be served at the funeral home.
Those left to cherish Carmila’s memory include her daughter, Kristi (Butch) Thompson of Knoxville; son, John Onstank (Toni Poli) of Creston; four grandchildren, Lisa (Kevin) Clark, Kenny Johnson, Matthew Onstank, and Branden Lee; six great-grandchildren, Joe, Nick, Jack, Bret, Alexander, and Isabella.
Carmilla Sparks
Carmila is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Opal Sparks; husband, Jack Onstank; siblings, Lila Carter, Richard Sparks, Karen Angove, and Dorothy Sparks (in infancy); also one great-grandson, Kevin Clark, Jr.
Memorials may be given in Carmila’s memory to Knoxville Fire and Rescue.