Jerald A. Spores, 61, of Sparta died Thursday, January 5, 2006 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Tomah. He was born on June 23, 1944 in Helena, MT to Raymond and Edna (Madsen) Spores. He grew up in Whitefish, MT and moved with his family to Bellingham, WA. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1962. He attended Squaget Valley College.

     Jerald enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1964 until 1997.  He married the former Diane Greene on June 10, 1972 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mauston, WI.

     He served his country for three tours in Viet Nam, and received the following: Bronze Service Medal / Army Commendation Medal / Army Good Conduct Medal-2 / Viet Nam Service Medal / National Defense Service Medal-2 / Viet Nam Campaign Medal / Overseas Service Ribbon-6 / Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon-4 / Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal-3 / Expert Infantry Badge / Army Achievement Medal-2 / Army Service Ribbon / Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

     During his career he was particulary proud of earning his Drill Sgt. Hat. At the end of his career he was SGM of the 88^th ARCOM out of Fort Snelling and the acting CMS of the 3-3 (Old Guard) out of Fort Snelling.

     He maintained his wonderful sence of humor through his long illness and never complained. He loved his family dearly and he loved his country.

     He is survived by his wife Diane of Sparta; two daughters, Angela Spores of Crystal, MN, Nicole Spores-True (Matthew) of Sparta; six grandchildren, Kenneth Lee, Cody Allen, Kiefer Michael, Dakota Michael, Dustin Matthew, and Grace Arnell.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Gregory Spores.

     Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta with Father James Leary O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the 88^th ARCOM from Fort Snelling, MN.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Monday (today) from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the funeral home on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

     Memorials may be given to the American Lung Association.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.