Margaret Sprecher

Margaret “Fern” Sprecher, age 78, of Hanover, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Dec. 7, 2010 at her daughter’s home in Elizabeth, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 11, 2010, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hanover with Father Noel Jacob as Celebrant. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 11th at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church Hanover. A memorial fund has been established in Fern’s memory.
Fern was born on Dec. 13, 1931, the daughter of Harvey and Cecelia (Duren) Phillips in Spring Green, Wisconsin. She graduated from Lone Rock High School in 1949. Fern married Marvin “Brownie” Sprecher on October 21, 1950 in San Diego, California. They were married for 57 years.
Fern was a bus driver for the River Ridge and Hanover School districts for 32 years until her retirement in 2006 at the age of 74. She was a bartender at the Hanover VFW Club until health problems forced her to retire in 2008. In past years, Fern was also a waitress, an Avon lady, and a floral representative. Fern was a great cook – her potato salad, BBQ ribs, meat loaf, and pumpkin and rhubarb pies were the best! She was also a die-hard Cubs fan – no one was allowed to talk to her during a game, except her grandkids. In her final years, her favorite past-time was watching birds – “Fern’s feathered friends” - and spending time with her family, whom she loved. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She especially enjoyed watching grand-daughters Brooke and Morgan play sports. Fern was known and loved by all, as witnessed by the hundreds of cards, emails, visits, calls, and gifts she received since her stroke in 2008. Fern was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church; the St. Anne Society; the Confraternity of Mary, Queen of All Hearts; and a 50-year member of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary.
Fern will be dearly missed by her four daughters, Linda Schoenmann of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Brenda Sprecher of Hanover, Diana (Tom) Taylor of Columbia, Missouri, and Pam (Eric) Wheelwright of Elizabeth; one son, Perry Sprecher of Hanover; six grandchildren, Chad (Trang) Sprecher of Arcadia, California, Brooke and Morgan Wheelwright of Elizabeth, Tina (Jeff) Adams of Aurora, Missouri, Michele Sprecher of Bradenton, Florida and Keria Sprecher of Hanover; three great-grandchildren, Wil and Ellyauna Adams and Zoë Sprecher; one step-grandson, Grant Taylor of Columbia, Missouri, two sisters, Evelyn (Carl) Gutknecht of Avoca, Wisconsin and Joanne Bohnsack of Spring Green, Wisconsin; two brothers, Lance Phillips of Middleton, Wisconsin and Neil (Connie) Phillips of Madison, Wisconsin; a sister in-law, Lois Phillips of Marshall, Wisconsin, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Fern is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin “Brownie” Sprecher; a brother, Warren; a sister, Rosie in infancy; a sister in-law, Mary Phillips; a brother in-law, Vic Bohnsack; a son in-law, Bob Schoenmann, and nephews Rodney Phillips, Billy Korback, and Jeff Bohnsack.
Thanks to Diana’s father-in-law Russ Taylor who, after her stroke in March 2008, faithfully mailed Fern a home-made card nearly every day for 17 months – over 350 cards in total - until his passing in September, 2009. Thanks to all who cared for Fern along her journey at Mercy Hospital, Stonehill Nursing Home, and Pam’s home. Special thanks to friends Tami and Celeste who gave us the courage to care for our mom ourselves; to her caregivers Brittney, Kristi, Maggie, and Ashley; neighbors Glen and Karen; FHN Hospice, and Father Noel Jacob. We could not have done it without you!
Fern’s family is grateful for the wonderful care she received at Pam’s home where she resided for more than 2 years. We were never more proud of her, never closer to her, never had more laughs, and never loved her more than we did during that very special time. She was an amazing woman who taught and inspired many people. Thanks, mom, for giving us life, faith, and love!