Raymond Sprow

FITCHBURG-Raymond  “Ray” Sprow, of Fitchburg, Wis., formerly of Howell, Michigan and Allen Park, Michigan, passed at his home on July 17, 2018, at the age of 86.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Jacquelyn in 2000.  He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia Milross, Judy Dwyer, Suzanne Burke and Sarah Burkey.  Ray is survived by his loving daughter, Martha (Aaron) Dutenhoefer, of Fitchburg.  He was a devoted and loving grandfather to his four grandchildren, Nicholas Sisco, Danielle Branch, Moira Dutenhoefer and Ethan Dutenhoefer. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert Sprow and Bob Sprow; and sister, Barbara Lacko.  He was a great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren; and an uncle to 35 nieces and nephews.    Ray was born on Sept. 17, 1931, in Copper Harbor, Michigan, the daughter of Wayne and Martha (Lee) Sprow.  The family moved to Detroit, Michigan in the 1940’s and Ray was always the first one to say that he was a “Detroiter”.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and earned, most notably, a purple heart, among other service medals.  Ray graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit and enjoyed working at General Motors Cadillac Division in Detroit for over 30 years.  After retirement, he attended Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan and proudly obtained his certificate in Architecture and Construction Technology.  He was a member of the Amvets and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in both Michigan and Wisconsin.     Ray married Jacquelyn in 1956, and lived in Allen Park for over 35 years.   After his wife’s passing, he relocated to Howell, Michigan and then to Fitchburg with his daughter, Martha.   He and Jackie had many years of love and happiness, which Ray was eager to share his fond memories of his one and only true love.  In Allen Park, Ray was a long time member of the Allen Park United Presbyterian Church and served as a Steward for the church.   Ray was an avid boater for many years.  He and Jackie were members of the West River Yacht and Country Club in Grosse Ile, Michigan.  In 1973, he was proudly initiated as commodore for the club.  They were also members of the Interlake Yachting Association as well as other Great Lakes Yachting Associations.      Ray loved to cook and was lovingly referred to as “Chef Raymond” by friends and family. He always had more on the stove and was ready to feed anyone that stopped by and share with nearby neighbors.  He loved his steak, pasta and crab legs and if asked what he preferred, those three were always on the top of his list!   Ray enjoyed his work as a volunteer at Hutzel Hospital in Detroit and was known to patients and workers to always have a smile and a good word of encouragement.  He became active in the Boy Scouts with his grandson, Nicholas, having been a boy scout many years before. Ray frequently volunteered at his new home, Waterford Senior Living in Fitchburg and made many new friends there.  His family and friends will remember him as a good man, an honest man, and a giving man. He will be missed by many and remembered fondly by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.  The family is planning a burial service with military honors at OAKVIEW CEMETERY in Royal Oak, Michigan on August 25, 2018, with a celebration of Ray’s life afterward in August.  The time to be determined.   Memorials in Rays name may be gifted to the family in care of Martha Dutenhoefer, 5816 Ledgemont Court, Fitchburg, WI  53711 - dutenmar@gmail.com.  Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com  Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002