Burton Earl Sponhaltz
July 14, 1942 – January 27, 2022
Burton Earl Sponhaltz went to join the Lord on Thursday, January 27, 2022, after complications from Multiple System Atrophy, a type of Parkinson’s Disease. Burt was 79 years old and passed away peacefully in his bed surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Burt was born in the Nix Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, on July 14, 1942, to Troy A. Sponhaltz and Iva Beatrice Rich Sponhaltz. Burt is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joyce Budnik Sponhaltz; daughter Laura Hess (Kenny) and daughter Jennifer Hibbard (Mace); four grandchildren, Chapman Troy Hibbard, Clara Anise Hibbard, Kyle Cameron Hess and Zachary Ryan Kurz; brother Daniel Sponhaltz (Mary); and sister Jan Clark. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Edward Budnik (Sandy) and Alan Budnik (Sheila); nephews Eric Sponhaltz (Holly), Clayton Sponhaltz (Kelly), Dale Clark (Kathy), Ethan Budnik (Kendall), Dylan Budnik (Amanda) and Mark Budnik (Staci); and nieces Cindy Budnik, Sara Zoe Budnik (Edwin) and Emma Claire Budnik.
Burt has numerous great nephews and nieces and many friends he considers family, several of whom were able to spend time with him during his last days. Burt loved his hunting trips and one of his deer hunting buddies who is also a pastor was able to bring holy communion to Burt the day before he passed away.
Burt graduated high school from Northwest Classen in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Blessed with a height of 6 foot, 9 inches, he loved to play basketball and has great memories of even winning the state championship with San Antonio College in 1964. Burt never met a stranger and this quality helped him succeed in sales in the tire supply industry for most of his career. He enjoyed working for Tri County Materials in Boerne up until he retired.
He loved sports, especially the Spurs, and was a night owl staying up late to watch football and basketball. He was often known to shoot free throws in his sleep. Burt was known for his sense of humor and telling jokes. If ever anyone was running short on a smile, Burt was the one to put a smile on their face.
Burt was greatly admired by his sons-in-law and family. He led our family by example, demonstrating patience, strength and love at all times. He appreciated great food, music and hard work. He taught us to listen and laugh. He had the most precise comedic timing, often waiting for the perfect time to deliver a punchline. There wasn't much Burt couldn't figure out how to fix, and he was always willing to teach us what he knows. He helped build and remodel houses, and rebuild old cars over the years. He cherished his family and friends.
Burt’s wife, Joyce, had a career in child care in the Boerne area for many years. Burt was known to many children who would attend Joyce’s day care centers as “Daddy Burt” and they would all want to be picked up high in the air by Burt. He loved to throw the football around with the children on the playground at Hug-A-Bear Day Care and later in their personal home daycare center.
In the most recent years, Burt was blessed to spend quality time with his great niece and nephews, Britton, Boone and Crockett Budnik. They refer to Burt and Joyce as Noni and PawPaw and their adventures were endless. His love for his family and children ran deep and he was a huge supporter of the Shriners Hospitals. Watching the Shriners in any parade was always the best part for Burt.
He also loved to not only watch a football game, but always the halftime marching band and their precision. Watching the Texas A&M marching band always brought a tear to his eyes and goosebumps.
In order for all family and friends to attend Burt’s visitation, it will be at a later date, Sunday, April 3, 2022, at 2 p.m. with a private family service to scatter his ashes on the 4th.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to the Parkinson’s Foundation: www.apdaparkinson.org or the Shriners Hospitals at https://lovetotherescue.org/ or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital [email protected].
To leave condolences for the family and to view a video of Burt’s life, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com.Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.
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