Carole (Cox) Sprague

“She was loved because she was first loved by God and her husband.” These are the words that Carole L. Sprague, 80, of Marshalltown, Iowa, lived by in her daily life. She had a peace as she neared the end time here on earth thanks to that love.

Carole passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Bickford Cottage in Marshalltown. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded under the care of Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A funeral service has been scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Journey Church of Marshalltown. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Fred, who just passed in May, at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Born Carole Lee Cox on May 18, 1945 in Teaneck, New Jersey, she was the daughter of George Wilson and Kathleen Merle (Magee) Cox. Beginning in fifth grade, her family relocated to Dunkerton, Iowa, where she graduated high school. Carole furthered her education at the University of Northern Iowa, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Upper Elementary Education and a minor in science. She taught sixth grade for one year in Palmeroy, Iowa.

Carole met the love of her life, Fred Sprague and they were united in marriage on August 3, 1968 in Dunkerton. She became a Navy wife, traveling with her husband and working as a waitress at a golf course while Fred was in boot camp.

After living in Mason City for a time, they settled down in Marshalltown, Iowa in 1983, where they raised their family. When they first moved to Marshalltown, Carole and her husband were members of the First Assembly of God Church, now Faith Church of Marshalltown. Carole was also a faithful member of Journey Church, and a dedicated volunteer at the House of Compassion, hospice and the supply closet. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and crocheting.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Melissa (William) Havlik of Cedar Rapids, Stuart Sprague of Marshalltown, and Stephen (Paula) Sprague of Waterloo; grandchildren: Jenna, Alysia, Kiera, Ulysses, Bryanna, Chandler, Kennedy, Mikayla, Shawn, Josie, Jack and Joniz; sister Diane (Ed) Foss; brother Dennis (Lisa) Cox; and seven great-grandchildren.

Upon her passing, Carole is reunited with her beloved husband, Fred; her daughter, Linda Joy Brimmer; her parents, George and Kathleen; her brother Ronnie Cox; and her sisters: Marilyn Eberle and Barbie Fuller.