David E. Sprenkle

David joined his heavenly family and friends on March 8, 2026. He was born on July 18, 1936, in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up in Centralia, Illinois, where his curiosity about the world first began. That curiosity would become his lifelong companion. From an early age, he seemed determined to see what was over the next hill, around the next corner, or in the next state.

He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, where he was an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, forging friendships and stories that lasted a lifetime. He went on to earn his Master's in Education Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It was there that he met the love of his life, Susan Rains. They married in 1963, beginning a 46-year partnership filled with love, laughter, and more than a few adventures.

After several moves, David and Susan made their home in Moline, Illinois, where David served as Director of Financial Aid at Black Hawk College. They were active in their church, First Congregational of Moline, which holds many special memories for their family. In 1976, he took a sabbatical that temporarily moved everyone to Washington, D.C., for a special project with the Department of Education. The timing couldn't have been better-the nation's bicentennial. The family seized every opportunity to explore the capital and all the celebrations.

Though generally a rather conservative man, David still managed to surprise everyone by purchasing a bright red Triumph convertible. It was perhaps his not-so-subtle reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed, preferably with the top down.

David had a deep love of travel and adventure. He visited all 50 states, every continent, and every major league baseball park in North America. He was just as happy boarding a plane to the other side of the world as he was driving with the windows down, the wind in his hair, and no particular hurry to get anywhere. For his 80th birthday, while most people are content with cake and candles, David went skydiving. As his family watched in absolute terror, he landed safely, with his signature smile, and announced he was ready to go again.

After Susan's passing in 2009, David eventually moved to Prospect Heights, IL to be closer to his girls and grandchildren. Even then, his appetite for life never slowed. He was blessed to meet Rose Anne Scott, a wonderful companion who shared and encouraged his love of travel and exploration. He enjoyed attending First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights to continue learning in his faith.

Retirement simply meant new adventures. David turned his passion for barbecue into a second calling, becoming a certified Kansas City Rib Judge. He traveled the country judging competitions and, because he never met a stranger, often struck up conversations in unsuspecting rib joints that somehow ended with him being invited into the kitchen to see how the meat was "really" smoked. He took his ribs-and his curiosity-very seriously.

Above all else, David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is reunited in heaven with his beloved Susan. He leaves behind his daughters, Lisa Jones and Amy Hasapis; his sons-in-law, Eric Jones and Dino Hasapis; and his four cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Jones, Ava Jones, Christopher Hasapis, and Luke Hasapis. He also leaves his sister, Barbara Stewart, and his niece, Nancy Brewington.

He loved being a grandfather, faithfully attending games, performances, and events, always encouraging his grandchildren-as he had his daughters-to be their very best. Every visit included a few newspaper articles he would like us to read (and would be questioned about later!).

David often joked that he still didn't know what he wanted to be when he grew up. We think he finally found his calling. He is now an angel with God, reunited with loved ones, undoubtedly asking thoughtful questions and planning heavenly adventures.

He was, simply put, the best dad. Steady. Supportive. Curious about everything and everyone. We will miss his boundless curiosity, his gentle humor, his adventurous spirit, and the way he made the world feel both bigger and more welcoming. His life reminds us to keep exploring, keep learning, keep encouraging one another, be a man of honor -and when the opportunity presents itself, to say yes to the red convertible.

A visitation/celebration of David's favorite desserts will take place on Friday, March 13th, from 4-7 pm at the Rob Roy Condominium Clubhouse at 270 Country Club Dr., Prospect Heights. A short service will be held at 6:30pm by Reverend Chris Spotts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice-or celebrate his spirit the way he would have liked: traveling somewhere new and enjoying a scoop or three of ice cream!