Obituary of Gwen Sprague

Gwen F Sprague, "Papa", 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Ontario, Oregon, with his loving wife of 62 years by his side. He was born January 14, 1922, in a little log cabin in Grace, Idaho. He was the fifth of eight children born to Laura and William Frank Sprague. They lived in Marysville, Idaho, until, at the age of 9 they traveled by sheep wagon to Emmett, Idaho. At the age of 14, the family moved to Harper, Oregon where Gwen went to work on the Rhinehart Ranch as a cowboy. In 1942 at the age of 20 Gwen was called into WWII and was a member of the Texas Homeguard 36th Division. They were sent to Italy where they fought a fierce battle in Cassino, Italy. Gwen was severely wounded in 1944 and received the Purple Heart. After recovering, he returned to Harper, Oregon, where he met the love of his life, Patsy Lee. They were married April 30, 1949, and had a darling daughter, Gwendolyn Lee, named after the father she adored. They lived most of their 62 married years in Vale, Oregon, where he was a heavy equipment operator for the B.L.M. for over twenty years. They have lived the last 13 years in Ontario, Oregon, in a home they greatly loved. Gwen was very proud of their home, their flowers, and, of course, his tomatoes. He enjoyed the outdoors with a love of fishing, hunting, and raising his cows. After retiring in 1984, he and Patsy traveled across the United States. During the winter months, they spent the next 20 happy years in Yuma, Arizona. Gwen was very proud of his family and he had a love that was greatly returned. Whether on a horse or a tractor, "Papa" was always a cowboy at heart. His greatest joy was spending time with his family that loved him. Gwen is survived by his wife, Patsy; their only child and son-in-law, Gwen and Mike Cammann of Boise, Idaho; two grandchildren, Sara and husband Nate Garr, Jared and wife Sarah Cammann; two great grandchildren, Chase and Zane Garr; two sisters, Verla Hupp and Bette Jensen. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Bernice Sprague, Velna Borup, and Donna Meyer; and his two brothers, Jack and Nyle. A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 28th at 9:00 a.m., in Ontario, Oregon, at Blessed Sacrament Church Hall. Interment to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Valley View Cemetery in Vale, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association , Idaho Affiliate, 223 N. 6th Street, Suite, 200, Boise, Idaho 83702. The family expresses sincere thanks to Jeanie and Brian from St. Al's Home Health Care for their tremendous care and friendship. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, Boise, Idaho.