Walter "Spark" Corkins, 85, of Redfield, SD died Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at the Golden Living Center in Redfield, SD. His funeral will be Friday, June 12, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be Thursday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present at 6:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Spark was born November 26, 1923 in Rockham, SD to Carl and Maude (Benning) Corkins. He attended country school south of Rockham and worked on the family farm. He also was on a thrashing crew. Spark served in the United States Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He was a sergeant in the 8th Calvary regiment. After his discharge, Spark married Beverlee Shevlin in December 1954. Spark worked for Redfield Beverage Company and Brown Distributing for over thirty years. After his retirement, he continued working various jobs in Redfield.

Spark enjoyed attending auctions, refinishing antiques and sharing them with his family.

He was a member of Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755 and Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92.

Spark is survived by his wife Bev of Redfield, his daughters: Darla (Steve) Jessen of Norfolk, NE; and their children Kristel (Travis) Loecker, Anthony (fiancAC.e Erin) Jessen and Kandace Jessen; Carla (George) Schade of Zell, SD and their children: Andrea (special friend Heath) Lance (special friend Keri) and Landon; and his son Kevin of Redfield and his children Ashley Kamrath and Koby Corkins. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Autumn Jessen, Keldon Loecker and a soon to be great grandchild, his sisters: Fern Willis and Alice Hardie of Redfield, his sisters-in-law: Emmaline Corkins and Agnes Corkins and many cousins nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Ralph, Don, Lyle and Marlyn and three sisters: Joyce, Myrt and Georgia.

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