Obituary: Dona J. (Strmiska) Sprecher - Class of 1949

LELAND - Dona J. Sprecher, age 74, died on Wednesday, June 21, 2006, unexpectedly at her home in Leland. She was born in Stanton, Neb. on Dec. 3, 1931, the daughter of the late Carl and Edna (Vollbrecht) Strmiska. The family moved to the Prairie du Sac area during her grade school years, moving to Madison in her high school years. She graduated in 1949 from Madison Central High School. She married the love of her life of 56 years, Edwin "Junior" Sprecher of Leland on Sept. 10, 1949. He swept her off her feet at a New Year's Eve dance in Prairie du Sac and they never stopped dancing. She and Junior have owned and operated Sprecher's Tavern in Leland since that time. Both she and Junior have become an institution in the area with many generations walking through the door of their establishment. She was known in the community as quite the feisty lady who would tell it like it is, always had a good joke to share, and loved to be a matchmaker during her years in the tavern. She loved her garden and flowers throughout the years. She enjoyed raising beagles and traveling to American Kennel Club dog shows with Junior throughout the Midwest; bringing home many trophies and ribbons. She had a zest for travel, visiting many states, Canada and England. Her most memorable experience was landing by helicopter on a glacier in Alaska. She was a loving and attentive mother to daughter, Ann (Kevin) Jensen of Windsor; son, Mark (Colleen) Sprecher of Stevens Point; and daughter, Amy Sprecher of Leland. She is survived by her loving husband, Junior; her children; grandchildren, Todd Wiatrok (Shelia Konichek) of Columbus, Becky Wiatrok of Madison, Cassandra Wiatrok of Baraboo and Lindsy Wiatrok of Windsor; great-grandchildren, Kyla and Nathan Wiatrok; a brother, Robert (Carol) Strmiska of Madison; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt and uncle, and many treasured friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister and brother; a grandson; a nephew, Thomas Strmiska; and several aunts and uncles. Family will be celebrating Dona's life on Sunday, July 2, 2006, at SPRECHER'S TAVERN in Leland beginning at 11 a.m. until the cows come home. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 100 Oak St., Prairie du Sac, at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2006, with Pastor Fred Rilling officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Salvation Army or St. John's Lutheran Church. We weren't ready to have you leave us, there was still so much to say and do. Thank you for all of the love and lessons you have shared that have made us who we are. You sacrificed so much for us and for that we will always be grateful. You have left special memories that will forever be treasured in our hearts. Hooverson Funeral Home Sauk City (608) 643-6430

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 25, 2005