Opal F. Sprague, 74
Opal Fern Sprague died on Friday, may 8, 2009 at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona, Iowa.
Opal was born on Oct. 17, 1934 in Willow Springs, Mo., the daughter of Fern and John Essink. She grew up and went to school in South Dakota. Following high school Opal went to school to become a teacher. She met her husband, Stanley Sprague, while in school and they taught in various small schools in South Dakota. In 1971 Opal and Stanley moved to Austin, where they owned and operated the Norge Village Laundromat. In 1982 Opal went back to school at the Votec to become an RN. She worked as a nurse at the Austin Medical Center and later moved back to South Dakota where she continued working in nursing. Following her retirement Opal moved to Albert Lea. She enjoyed spending time with friends, traveling, playing scrabble, reading, and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Survivors include her children, Roger Sprague, Virgil Sprague and Russel (Lynn) Sprague; grandchildren, Dustin, Jennifer, Jessica and Levi Sprague; great-grandson, James Sprague; sisters, Joann (Lavern) Ross and Mary Hemminger; brother John (Penny) Essink; special friend, Keith Hall; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Opal was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stanley; son, Orrin Sprague and her brother-in-law, Cecil Hemminger.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. The Reverend Jeff Laeger-Hagemeister will officiate. Friends may greet the family on hour prior to the time of the service. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.