Fred N. Sprague

Fred Sprague, age 77 of Marshalltown, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Fred Nathan Sprague was born on July 29, 1947 in Sioux City, IA, the son of Fred Kidder Sprague Jr. and Averill Joy (Kerr) Sprague. Fred graduated from high school in 1965.

On August 3, 1968, Fred was united in marriage with Carole Lee Cox in Dunkerton, IA. Fred enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 11 years. He went on to earn a degree from Buena Vista University in 1969 and Hamilton Business College in 1982.

While Fred was in the service, their family moved to California, where they welcomed their daughter, Melissa. Fred and Carole moved their family back to Iowa for Fred to go to nursing school at the University of Iowa through the Navy. While in Iowa, they met big milestones: they welcomed their son, Stuart and Fred dedicated his life to the Lord. Fred was stationed in Florida, where they welcomed their last son, Stephen. After his honorable discharge, the Sprague family moved to back to Mason City, IA.

Fred had worked various jobs including Winnebago and the Mason City Hospital. In 1983, Fred and Carole moved to Marshalltown, where Fred started working for the Iowa Veterans Home in accounting. He worked in marketing for Burke Inc. for 19 years until his retirement. Fred always wondered how he ever found time to work as he started to spend most of his time volunteering.

Fred was an advocate for many: he raised money for Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy, helped with the annual Life Chain event, ran golf tournaments for birth rights, and founded a MS Moments support group. He was a camp counselor at Camp Sunnyside, and he volunteered his time at 2nd Chance Thrift Store and food banks. Fred was a member of Journey Church in Marshalltown, where he scribed countless Bible verses. In his younger years, he collected baseball cards. In his free time, Fred enjoyed fishing, golfing, and sharing a joke with everyone he came in contact with. Fred was joyful, authentic, and a light to countless lives over the years.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Averill; his sister, Sharon (Jim) Hamilton; his daughter, Linda Joy Brimmer. Left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Carole of Marshalltown; his children, Melissa (William) Havlik of Cedar Rapids, Stuart Sprague of Marshalltown, and Stephen (Paula) Sprague of Waterloo; his grandchildren, Jenna, Alysia, Kiera, Ulysses, Bryanna, Chandler, Kennedy, Mikayla, Shawn, Josie, Jack and Joniz; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephews, Jim and Scott Hamilton and their families, all of Florida.

Per Fred’s wishes, cremation rites will take place. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Journey Church in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Fred’s family.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Fred and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.