Donald “Don” Mortimer Sprague
Donald was born February 14, 1928 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Donald and Mary (Snow) Sprague and grew up with them in Paw Paw, Michigan. He was affectionately nicknamed “Ike” throughout his early adulthood. Don earned a bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan College and retired a successful award-winning examiner to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. He was an Army veteran and a lifetime member of the American Legion. Don went on to meet Ellie whom he married on January 25, 1958, They lived in various towns within distance for Don to commute to work in Madison which included owning and operating the Rustic Knoll resort in Briggsville, WI from 1972 to 1978.
Don was an avid sports fan who rarely missed a football or baseball game unless he was playing in league for golf. He coached and mentored the Dells Highschool golf team and played up to 18 holes of golf, multiple times a week, up through his illness onset September, 2019. He always appreciated and loved the smell and beauty of a manicured course as well as the beloved close-knit community of golf members. They held a golf open (Spraguer Open) every year on his behalf, since he was 84, to celebrate his timeless expressions of joy and happiness while continuing his expert level of play.
Don was a generous soul with a zest for life, a very devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was always and will be forever, loved by those he touched. A very heartfelt thank you to son, Steve, for without his constant care and assisting Don through his daily activities, his time with us was extended.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary Snow. He is survived by wife, Ellie Sprague, of Lake Delton. Son, Steven Sprague; daughter Michelle (Shelly) North, John North (son-in-law), grandchildren Dylan and Dalton of Mukwonago, WI.
A memorial outing will be held at Christmas Mountain Golf Resort this summer to commemorate Don, date TBD.
In lieu of flowers, we humbly request donations to P.O. Box 614 Lake Delton, WI 53940 ℅ Donald Sprague to assist the family with medical expenses acquired during his illness.
We would like to thank Agrace Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Don in his last hours. We are grateful to have had the time to say “See you Later”!
We have been on vacation for 2 mo. and are so saddened to hear of ” Donnie’s” passing. We have been Christmas Mnt. back yard neighbors since 2003. Always had time to stop and chat with us when going by on his golf cart or out for his walk. Smiles and laughs were enjoyed so very much. Don and Steve were so good to keep an eye on our place when we were gone. We were amazed that Don was still an avid golfer. Our hearts go out to you Ellie and your family for your loss. You were all Blessed to have a great guy in your life, as we were. See you in the Spring.
RIP Don..
You leave so many of us with longtime fond memories and you will be so dearly missed.
Condolences and Prayers to The Family.
I just learned today of Don’s passing. I offer my condolences to Eliie and the family. Don was the elder statesman on the course and taught many of us many things about the game of golf. Most of all how to be a gentleman. Don set a great example and was a kind man. He shot a very straight ball and was a straight shooter, In more ways than one. Don
Was highly skilled at the game. The golf membership will miss Don immensely this year and thereafter.
Blessed to know him and have played so many rounds with him. God bless his family.
HE WILL BE MISSED…
This about sums it up about Don…given to him by his golfing friends at the Spraguer Open in 2015.
Top 10 Reasons Why We All Love Don Sprague
10. We all get to play a tournament in his honor
9. He is always quick to compliment a good shot…or a bad one
8. He loves playing golf with women
7. He is still playing quality golf as an octogenarian
6. He never plays the red tees…even though he could
5. He will play golf in any weather… In shorts and a light jacket
4. He has a Packer/Badger/Brewer wardrobe second to none
3. He’s the only one who will always give you a three-footer
2. His colorful quotes are priceless… “Run You Mama” will live on in infamy
1. He is as fine a Friend and Gentleman as there is at Christmas Mountain
Gloria and I have known Don since we moved to the area in 2005 and have always considered him to be one of our best friends. We had the opportunity to play innumerable rounds of golf with Don and to share our favorite stories and jokes at the 19th hole. I don’t think that Don ever met a person he didn’t like or have a kind word for, he considered every one his friend and treated everyone with kindness and respect. The “Spraguer Open” was created to honor Don, his love of golf, good friends and the outdoors while he was still able to play golf at a high level and to hear “Run You Mama” resonate from his lips was to know he had hit a good shot. Don will be missed on the golf course, the 19th hole, and throughout the community. We are so thankful that we got to know this wonderful man and considered him a close friend. Don, you will be missed.