- Date Of Birth: August 1, 1941
- Date Of Death: October 21, 2015
- State: Illinois
Edward Ronald Sprague, 74, of Galesburg, died at 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at home.
Ron was born on August 1, 1941 in Springfield, Illinois. He was the son of Edward L. and Mary A. Willett Sprague. He married Rita A. Rapps on April 22, 1961 in Springfield. She was the love of his life for 54 years. Among those surviving are his loving wife, Rita; three children, Mark (Lisa) Sprague of Cypress, TX, Lori (Jeff) Link of Abingdon, Michele Sprague of Galesburg; two sisters, Shirley Knox of Galesburg and Rita Kay Housley of Springfield; four grandchildren, Cassandra (Tyler) Schleich of Monmouth, Corey Link of Abingdon, Taylor Sprague of Houston TX and Davis Sprague of College Station, TX. He was blessed with his first great granddaughter, Scarlett Lynlee Schleich in January of this year.
Ron graduated from Lanphier High School in Springfield, Illinois, in 1960. While a student he was a two time All-State Football recipient, on the All City Football team, and went to state in wrestling. After graduating, he received his training and accreditation in Respiratory Therapy at Memorial Hospital, Springfield, Il. He was employed as a Respiratory Therapist at Galesburg Cottage Hospital from 1964 until his retirement in 2003.
He was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks Lodge.
What Ron enjoyed most in life was his family, followed by an unlimited number of friends he made so easily throughout his life. Many of whom remember him for his love for dancing, any chance he had he would glide across the floor. Despite his retirement years being cut short, he loved golfing and was a regular member on the men’s golf league at Oak run. One of his greatest pleasures was boating with his family and friends. His grandchildren will forever remember him as “Papa Splash.” He enjoyed traveling especially to see his son in Houston! He was the type of person that everyone loved to know as he was caring and loving to all he met.
