Laurene “Rene” Sparrow, 95, of Hamilton, Illinois, formerly of Warsaw, passed away on Thursday,
January 23, 2020, at her home in Hamilton.
Laurene was born on March 9, 1924, in Rocky Run Township, the daughter of Albert K. and Jeannetta
(Staaf) Wemhoner. On July 4, 1948, she was united in marriage to Lester Oran “Les” Sparrow at Trinity
United Methodist Church in Warsaw. He preceded her in death on January 15, 2003.
Laurene was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Warsaw and served faithfully in the church
choir and the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She
loved her family dearly, and spent most of her life as a mother and homemaker, raising her children and
keeping the peace. She loved music and birds of all kinds, and was a talented painter. Laurene was a die-
hard University of Iowa Hawkeye fan, and bought season tickets for over thirty-five years. She would
often write to Coach Kirk Ferentz, and he often replied. Laurene also loved the St. Louis Cardinals,
watching every game she could. She would always read the sports section in the Burlington Hawkeye to
stay informed.
Laurene is survived by her son Carson (Carol) Sparrow of Lafayette, Louisiana; two daughters-in-law:
Karen and Betty; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.
Laurene is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Les, her brother Raymond and her sons Terry
Lynn and Gaylen K. Sparrow.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton,
with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Monday,
January 27, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in memory of Laurene.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.