OTTO HANS ULRICH SPRENGER

1929 - 2023

Otto Hans Ulrich Sprenger passed away on December 2, 2023 at 94 years of age in Arlington Heights Illinois. Otto was born in Seuzach Switzerland on March 8, 1929 to the late Maria Johanna (Boss) Sprenger and Albert Hans Sprenger. At 18, Otto studied at the University of Zurich but also had dreams to come to America. He came to the United States in 1949 aboard the ship Queen Elizabeth to Elis Island. He secured work in Missouri on a large cattle farm while learning the English language. He eventually purchased a farm of his own in Antioch Illinois in 1950 where his parents then joined him, leaving Switzerland permanently. He operated and managed his dairy farm until he took an interest in selling land and established Sprenger Real Estate Co. After years of committed work, Otto was awarded the position of President of the United States Farm and Land Realtors in 1985. He was a licensed land broker in Wisconsin and Illinois and served as an advising board member on numerous wildlife conservation and land preservation committees. He was also a proud member of the Illinois Swiss Society. Otto married Mary Jane Carpenter on October 14, 1967 in Kenosha Wisconsin where they resided. They were proprietors of the Carol Beach Water company for many years. Mary Jane was also a partner and pillar of support to the success of Sprenger Real Estate Co. She preceded him in death on October 23, 1998. Otto is survived by Mary Jane's two children; Jerome Carpenter and Kathleen Mary (Alrikas) Johnson, granddaughters Michelle (Alrikas) Glidden and Christine (Alrikas) Diab and great-grandchildren Anthony Glidden, Marc Glidden, Natalie Glidden, Sara Glidden, and Emily Jane Diab. Otto is also survived by his second wife, Jocelyn Atkinson Sprenger, whom he married on October 11, 2003. They resided in Hawthorn Woods and Arlington Heights Illinois and shared an avid interest in spending time together, gardening, bird watching, traveling, and perfecting their highly coveted harmonized rendition of "Happy Birthday" that was dutifully sung each year to all family members. Otto is also survived by Jocelyn's children; Joanne Smith-Darden (Tom O'Donnell), Julie Bessette (Roger Bessette), John Jeffery Parsons (Olga Parsons) and Janee Lockner (Chris Lockner), grandchildren Kyle Keeton (Dave Keeton), Quinn Smith, Chole Smith, Annie Franklin, Sarah Eastburn, Josiah Parsons, Judah Parsons and Emanuel Parsons, Emma Ochoa (Paul Ochoa), Devin McSherry (Ryan McSherry), Daniel Kelly (Ali Kelly) and great- grandchildren; Isla Weeden, Autumn Ochoa, Miles Ochoa, Wesley Kelly, Isabelle Kelly, Lucy Kelly, and River McSherry. Otto will forever be remembered for his unfailing unconditional love, his passionate dedication to family, his love of gardening, wildlife, outdoors, and his beloved straw hat and love of Swiss chocolate. Quite simply, Otto was loved beyond measure. He made all our lives a better place. Private services will be held Friday December 8, 2023 at Friedrich's Funeral Home, Mt. Prospect, IL. Otto will be laid to rest at the Millburn Cemetery in Old Mill Creek Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Botanic Garden in memory of Otto Sprenger at www.chicagobotanic.org/donate/tribute or by mailing , Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 Attn: Tributes. Funeral information 847-255-7800 or www.friedrichsfh.com.