Obituary of JoAnn Fehrenbacher Sprague
JoAnn Fehrenbacher Sprague, 97, passed away June 5, 2022 surrounded by family. She was born October 30, 1924 in Joliet, IL to Mary (Blunk) and Dr. Frank J. Fehrenbacher.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Thomas K. Sprague, Jr. They made their home in Joliet where they raised their three children, Thomas K. III (Mary “Mimi” Minarich), Carlene (Charles) Kinzie and John. Her children and six grandchildren were an immense source of pride; Jonathan Sprague, Griffin (Alexandra Michel) Kinzie, Trevor Kinzie, Spencer Kinzie, Charles Sprague, and Elizabeth Sprague.
JoAnn was proud of her Catholic upbringing and education. She attended St. Patrick’s Grade School Class of 1938, St. Francis Academy Class of 1942, College of St. Francis and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Barry College in Miami, FL Class of 1946, where she was in a graduating class of 18 women under the guidance of the Dominican Sisters. Upon graduation she worked as a medical lab technician at the Joliet Sanitarium and conducted home visits. She also worked as a dental and office assistant to her father in his Joliet practice for many years.
JoAnn returned to school at Governor’s State University to earn a teaching certificate while she was a homemaker to her husband and young family. She was a substitute teacher for many years and a 2nd grade teacher at Pershing Elementary School in Joliet.
Her compassion for others was evident in her support and volunteerism in Joliet through the Visitation and Aid Society, St. Patrick’s Retirement Home Auxiliary, Childerguild – Silver Cross Hospital, Caritas – University of St. Francis and past president of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.
JoAnn leaves many, many gifts of her artistic talents behind. She was an avid and passionate quilter, needle pointer, crafter and watercolor artist. JoAnn and Tom later made their home in Three Lakes WI where they enjoyed the beauty of the Northwoods, golfing and boating with many friends. They spent their winters in Sarasota, FL and more recently in Clarendon Hills, IL to be close to family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joann’s name to Joliet Catholic Academy, Joliet, IL or St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Three Lakes, WI.
A memorial visitation for JoAnn Fehrenbacher Sprague will be held Monday, June 27, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. until a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Ave., Joliet. Inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery alongside her loving husband, Tom.
For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can leave a favorite memory or an online condolence.
