- Ralph J. "Jay" Spreeman, age 72, died on Friday, July 13, 2012 at his home in Stockbridge, after suffering a long battle with Emphysema & Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
He was born April 29, 1940 in Gaylord, MI to Alfred & Wanda (Bettis) Spreeman. Jay grew up in Vanderbilt, MI, where he had 3 children: Monique, Janet, & Jeffery. In 1975, he moved to Kaukauna, where he met Theresa D. Huspek. They were married on January 2, 1976 at the First Congregational Church in Appleton; they had 4 children: Wayne, Craig, Richard & Wanda.
He worked at the Neenah Foundry for 10 years and the Lord then put a set-back in his life; a battle with skin cancer. Through much support & prayer, Jay was able to beat the cancer and also find sobriety; he had been a grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous since November 29, 1980.
Jay enjoyed camping with the family, riding his Harley, working in the garage, and was an avid pool player, bowler, and enjoyed hunting. Jay, Theresa, and the children moved to Stockbridge in 1982 where they have lived ever since. Jonathon, one of Jay's grandsons, was Grandpa's 'second hand', helping grandpa deliver his paper route and tinkering in the garage.
Over the years, Jay had been a Cub Scout leader and a member of Faith Alliance Church and was a remarkable cook. Jay was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather; always trying to give of himself, whether to his family or friends, even in the final days of his life.
Survivors include his wife: Theresa; children: Monique, Janet, Jeffery, Wayne, Craig, Richard (Liz), & Wanda; grandchildren: Jonathon, Gunnar, Skylar, Zakary, Taylar, Makaila, Madeline, Mollie, Parker, Josh, Hailey, Tyler, Alexis, Noah, Devin; great grandchildren: Joshua, Kayden, Chase, Camden; 2 brothers: Karl "Romey" & Michael Patrick "Mickey" Spreeman; and a sister: JoAnn Foster. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers: Eddie, Jack & Donald; and several uncles.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Faith Alliance Church (468 N. State St.) in Chilton. Burial will follow in the Portland Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 and on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM.
The family would like to thank Wanda VanDeraa, and his nurses Amy Leffler & Holly Glaubig for all of the loving care that was provided to Jay. They would also like to thank Jim & Debbie Hooyman for their friendship and help.
Online Condolences wietingfuneralhome.com
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on July 16, 2012
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1940 - 2012 (72 years)
Obituary
