Theresa C. Sparrow, 72, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Friday, April 18, 2025, with a time of sharing beginning at 2:30 PM, at Miller Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Banquet Non-Profit Organization in Sioux Falls.

Theresa was born to Jerry Ross Zimmerman and Edith Mae (Novy) Zimmerman on December 12, 1952, in Sioux Falls, SD.  She attended Sioux Falls public schools and graduated in 1971 from Washington High School.  That summer, she married Melvin Van Steenwyk, and from their union came two sons, Thomas Van Steenwyk and Andrew Van Steenwyk.  The family relocated to Wiesbaden, Germany, and then settled in Newport News, Virginia.  Theresa worked as a civil servant Secretary for 20 years until she retired early due to medical issues.

On January 23, 1993, Theresa married Joseph "Wayne" Sparrow in Hampton, Virginia, and in 2003, they moved to Chancellor, SD to be closer to family.  She was an active member of the Baptist church in Chancellor and enjoyed sewing, crafting, and playing board games with family.  She was always seen with a book or her Kindle and had a passion for reading.  Throughout her life, she collected countless Chimney Sweeps and Nutcrackers that she loved to display during the Christmas Holiday.  She was thrilled when she found a thrift deal or a clearance item that she knew she could gift to someone, as she was a giving and kind soul who found joy in helping others.  She loved hot dogs and diet Pepsi but not as much as her seven grandchildren: James Adams, Jessica Tierney, Mellyssa Schoeberll, Trevor Erickson, Dillon Erickson, Drake Van Steenwyk, and Carter Van Steenwyk.  She loved spending quality time with them, attending their various activities, and being their loudest supporter.  She moved back to Sioux Falls and continued to volunteer to support others through AARP and the Banquet, where she worked in the office and packed backpacks full of supplies for kids in need.

Grateful for sharing her life are her children, Tom (Heidi) Van Steenwyk and Andy (Kelli) Van Steenwyk; sisters, Sue Barber of Plymouth, MN, Melodee (Dave) Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD; brothers, Steve (Bonnie) Zimmerman of Lennox, SD and Troy (Debra) Zimmerman of Sioux Falls, SD; along with many special nieces, nephews and close friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Karen Husaboe and Robin Chavez; and husband, Wayne Sparrow.