Earl Robert Muilenburg

Earl Robert Muilenburg, age 82, of Sparta, passed away in his home Thursday, January 15, 2015. He was born on June 20, 1932 in Woodstock, Minnesota, the son of John and Norla (Parker) Muilenburg. On January 28, 1955 he and Bonnie Joyce Hull were united in marriage. Since 1959 Earl has owned an excavating business. He also farmed in the Sparta Community for 10 years. Earl enjoyed car racing from 1960 until 2013, and was inducted into the Ozarks Area Racers Hall of Fame in 2005. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and collected tractors. Earl served as President of the South Sparta Special Road District. He attended Bruner Baptist Church. Survivors include: His wife of almost 60 years, Bonnie; seven children, Rob Muilenburg and wife Mary, Joyce Kitka, Mary Cunningham and husband James, Randy Muilenburg and wife Phyllis, Stephen Muilenburg and wife Julie, Jon Muilenburg and wife Ronda, Karen Malicoat and husband James; 16 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Henrietta Preston, a brother-in-law George Preston, and son-in-law Gary Little. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday, January 19, in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor John Hyde officiating. Burial will follow in Sparta Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 PM Sunday in the funeral home.