Frank Spreng

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Francis “Frank” Joseph Spreng, MBA, Ph.D, J.D. was born on January 16, 1944, and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA.  He passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 28, 2018, in Belleville, IL.

Frank earned an MBA, a Ph.D. in Economics, and a J.D. degree.  He had been a professor at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL, and Chairman of the Business Division, and also began the MBA program.  Prior to that, he had taught at Hampden-Sydney College in VA and Brescia University in Owensboro, KY.  He also served as a consultant to attorneys in Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri.  Frank took pride in teaching, and he enjoyed interacting with his students, lunching with colleagues, and wearing his themed ties to class.  Frank was a most loving husband to his wife, Jane Spreng, whom he married on December 27, 1966.

Frank was a member of the Board of Directors of the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society and the Membership Chair of the English Speaking Union St. Louis Branch.  Frank and Jane especially enjoyed performances at McKendree’s Hettenhausen Center and the Repertory Theatre and the MUNY in St. Louis.  Frank was also a stamp and model railroad enthusiast and Gentleman’s Book Club member.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Guehl Spreng and Joseph Spreng.

Surviving, along with his wife, are his children, Jennifer Spreng of San Antonio, TX, and Emily (Dennis) Lowery of St. Louis, MO, as well as his grandsons, Sean, Christopher, and Conall Lowery, who had a most special place in his life.  He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Spreng Puzzini Meyer and Lynne Spreng, as well as his niece, Elizabeth Ann Puzzini Glantz, and nephew, Frank A. Jr. (Patricia) Puzzini, and his great-nephews, Tony (Bethany) Puzzini and James (Andrea) Glantz.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ellen (Edward) Kabot of Vernon Hills, IL, and nieces, Erin and Tracey Kabot.

Memorials may be made to Cahokia Mounds, McKendree University, or St. Anthony’s Chapel in Pittsburgh, PA.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2018, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 3, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 3, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. Jack McEvilly officiating.

Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

 

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13 Comments on Frank Spreng

Anthony DeFrank said : Guest Report May 04, 2018 at 5:00 PM

Frank was one of the great debaters in North Catholic High School history. I was a very young freshman debater when he was a senior acting as assistant debate coach. His intellect was so intimidating, but he was so nice and had a great sense of humor. I was reintroduced to Frank at a reunion luncheon when our mutual friends Bob and Kay Iseman visited from Australia.Frank's intellect was still intimidating, but after all of those years his kindness and humor shone through.

  • Pittsburgh
  • Pennsylvania
Jeff said : Guest Report May 03, 2018 at 4:47 AM

Frank was a great man, a great friend. A thing we truly come to cherish as we mature. He once told me the key to having good friends was in being a good friend. Without equivocation Frank had so many friends because he was such a great friend. I’d always thought of Frank as a great conductor, not because of his affinity for trains, but because Frank began conducting a band as a very young man and continued it. Every where Frank ventured he added members to this great band he was conducting. I don’t know how many folks know this, but Franks family ran a mortuary and lived above it. I don’t know how many friends came to visit him or his sisters at the funeral home, so Frank made up a band. “Skip” would March his imaginary band throughout the home and mortuary. He would command his sisters to open and close doors for the band as they marched daily. He would talk to those friends not yet present. Its not so odd, I find myself still speaking to Frank, as if he were here. Frank lives on in all of us, this band of friendships he made. We can’t say we won’t miss him, we will. Frank was a great conductor, a leader of the band. A great mans successes live on even when he’s not physically present. Franks Band is still here, his family, friends and students are Franks greatness. It is in all of us, because he gave it to so many of us. A great friend, a great father and grandfather, a great husband, a great man. We loved you Frank. Your band of successes marches on.

  • Edwatdsville
  • IL
Joe and Linda Cipfl said : Guest Report May 02, 2018 at 2:37 PM

What a terrific gentleman, an extraordinary educator and a wonderful friend! Frank will be so missed by so many, especially us. To Jane, Jennifer. Emily and the grandchildren, our thoughts and prayers are with you. You have so much to treasure from your husband, dad and grandpa. Please take care and God bless!

  • O'Fallon
  • IL
Julie Baker said : Guest Report May 01, 2018 at 9:03 PM

Mrs. Spreng and family - Dr. Spreng was my Econ professor at McKendree University & I absolutely adored him. He was the reason I took all the Econ classes available, He truly loved teaching and I am grateful I was able to be part of his classes. So many times I have smiled to myself as I hear his comments and philosophies ringing true. He will be missed by many. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Joe and Patrice Knickmeyer said : Guest Report May 01, 2018 at 8:35 PM

Jane, we are shocked and saddened to learn of Frank's death. You have been our next-door-neighbors for years, but as is common in this era, our contacts have been infrequent and casual. Frank and I used to chat from time to time on matters of common interest, particularly our teaching at McKendree University. His ideas were sharp and crystalline, and he clearly cared deeply about his students and the quality of their education. He was a good and highly productive man, and I will remember him with fondness. I regret that we never completed a project we'd discussed to see if his model railroad travel speeds scaled as the models themselves. God bless and keep you in these difficult days.

  • Shiloh
  • IL
Shane Simmons said : Guest Report May 01, 2018 at 4:18 PM

It was pleasure of knowing Frank. Without a doubt made impacts on multiple lives through his teaching at Mckendree. He will be greatly missed!

  • Troy
  • Illinois
Jim and Mary Ann Welzbacher said : Guest Report May 01, 2018 at 12:54 PM

Dear Jane and Family, We are so very sorry to hear the news of Frank’s death. He was a wonderful man. We are grateful we got to know him. We enjoyed the time we spent with you and Frank. God Bless!

  • Atlanta
  • Ga
Donna Veneziale Muscari said : Guest Report May 01, 2018 at 2:41 AM

Dear Jane, I am so sorry to hear the news of Frank’s passing. I only know too well how this will effect you and your family. My heartfelt thoughts and condolences.

  • New York
  • New York
Lori J Belknap said : Guest Report May 01, 2018 at 2:34 AM

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It was great getting to know Frank and working with him. He has done much for us in the short time we knew him. My condolences to you and your family.

  • Mascoutah
  • IL
Mary Lou Burger said : Guest Report May 01, 2018 at 12:36 AM

Oh Jane, what sad news. You and your children and their families have my heartfelt prayers and sympathy. Frank was a unique individual and a lovely man. What a shock.

  • Jupiter
  • FL
Dan Lowery said : Guest Report May 01, 2018 at 12:11 AM

Shared his last day at St. Margarets grade school on grandparents day. Our last conversation was about oour shared dislike of the casual business dress now popular. He always insisted on doing the Thanksgiving dishs, loved his grandkids, and was the type of person that built America.

  • Saint Louis
  • Mo
Vicki Nash said : Guest Report Apr 30, 2018 at 9:41 PM

So very sad to hear of Frank's sudden passing. May her rest in peace. As college pals we shared countless interesting political discussions. He could challenge one's mind and bring laughter all in one sentence. There are so many fond memories of a true gentleman. My deepest sympathy to Jane, Jennifer, Emily, the grandchildren and all who loved this wonderful man.

  • Newcastle West
  • Limerick
Kay Schaffer said : Guest Report Apr 30, 2018 at 6:00 PM

We are devastated to hear of Frank’s passing. He was a dear friend from Duquesne days to the present. Our hearts go out to Jane, Jennifer, Emily and the grandkids, whom he treasured. So sorry there will be an empty seat at our DU reunion in just a few weeks but so grateful for our time together in Australia. Sending deep condolences and much love.

  • Adelaide
  • SA

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