Raymond G. Sprague

January 24, 2022

Raymond G. Sprague

Service Details

Raymond Gene Sprague, died peacefully on January 24, 2022. He was born April 29, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa to Ralph and Genevieve (Deaton) Sprague. He graduated from Saydel High School in 1968. He went to work in the family business, Sprague Trucking and Excavating. He later became a partner with his father then the sole proprietor. He retired in 2019.

Through his many years in business he met and became lifelong friends with many of his business associates. Ray never met a stranger. He always treated everyone as a friend. When he made a friend, it was for life! He was a kind, loving, gentle soul. He had a heart as big as he was. Ray was someone you could count on. If you needed something, he was there.

He would do anything for anyone. He always had a big hug and a warm smile.

Ray met the love of his life, Claudia Schwitters, in 1986. They met at Smokey's bar on a pool league night. They enjoyed country dancing, their love of the Green Bay Packers, bowling, traveling, and Prairie Meadows. Ray inherited Claudia's three grown children. From this he got his greatest gift, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He got to skip the messy bits, and go straight to the good stuff. He was a proud grandpa and papa!

Ray was an avid supporter, and barstool warmer, at VFW Post 9662. He prepared prime rib on Thursday nights, helped set up events and volunteered as needed. He had a regular group of friends that he met daily. He was a social butterfly to say the least.

He is survived by his stepchildren, David Wallace, LaVon Howell and Beckey (Keith) Head; grandchildren Alyssa Wilson, Megan (Brad) Miller, Brandon Howell and Bryan Head; great-grandchildren Faeleigh Wilson and Ace Wilson; and many cousins, extended family, and great friends. Ray will be greatly missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his fiancée, Claudia Schwitters, and his parents, Ralph and Genevieve Sprague.

There will be a celebration of life at Boline Manfredi VFW Post 9662 in late spring 2022. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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