Johannes Marinus Spronk

Johannes Marinus Spronk, age 74, of La Grande, died Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley with Father Hank Albrecht officiating.

Mr. Spronk was born on June 3, 1930, the son of Cornelis Johannes and Jannetti (Warning) Spronk in Harlem, The Netherlands. He came to the United States when he got out of school through his church. He served in the United States Army and later the National Guard. He attended the University of Utah, the University of Oregon and George Washington University. He came to La Grande in the early 1960's and was a professor of French at Eastern Oregon Univeristy and retired in 1992. He continued teaching in the extended studies program until his death. On July 23, 1985 he married Felisa Lazrte in Truck Island, Micronesia.

Mr. Spronk was very active in the community and was a member of the Elks Lodge where he was in charge of the Elks Soccer Shoot Out for several years. He was an active Barbershopper and was president of that organization for several years. He was also a member of the AARP and the Retired Teachers Association. He was an avid stamp collector and enjoyed traveling and dancing.

Survivors include his wife, Felisa Spronk of La Grande; children, Jenny Jeanette Spronk of France, John A.T. Spronk of Norfolk, Virginia, Josephine Spronk of California and Neal Spronk of La Grande; step-son, David Spronk of Minnesota; granddaughter, Brianna Spronk; numerous cousins and other relatives in the Netherlands.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mr. Spronk to the Cancer Research in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.