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Frederick Sponenburg Obituary
November 6, 2012
Frederick E. Sponenburg, 70, of 35 N. Nichols St., Saint Clair, died Tuesday at his residence.
Born in Pottsville, May 10, 1942, he was a son of the late Fred and Eva Dudish Sponenburg.
Fred was a graduate of Saint Clair High School and received his master's degree from Kutztown University. Over his lifetime, he was an educator and an administrator at multiple school districts, a coach, chef and restaurateur, CEO of Stainless Steel Gold and entrepreneur of too many endeavors to list.
Fred was a member of St. Michael Orthodox Church, Saint Clair.
He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Sandra Wapinski, on Feb. 27, 1997.
Surviving are two sons, Jeffrey Sponenburg and his wife, Elizabeth, Wayne, N.J., and Kevin Sponenburg, Saint Clair; two brothers, Edward Sponenburg, Albuquerque, N.M., and Daniel Sponenburg, Pottsville; two sisters, Gretchen Eichensehr, McVeystown, and Damaris Kope, Metuchen, N.J.; three grandchildren, Joseph, Kathryn and Stephen Sponenburg; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 N. Second St., Saint Clair, with the Rev. Jeffrey Zias officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Michael Cemetery, Saint Clair. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Sponenburg
Bill Hart
January 4, 2025
My condolences, I went to Kutztown and played football with him. He talked to many times about joining the army Special Forces which I did in 1966. I lost track of him after my return from Vietnam. I moved to California and ask some friends who attended reunions if they saw him. He was a good man and always had a great sense of humor. May he RIP
Bill Hart
Sonya Augustine
November 2, 2019
RIP Fred and Augie (Richard Augustine 10/15/18). Thanks for the memories and for sharing those Russian Christmas traditions with song, food and friendship. Memory Eternal!
Mary Lynn and Rowland Ricketts
November 13, 2012
We will miss you and your singing at the Kevolic reunions.
Nancy Thorn Adams
November 12, 2012
Jeff, I am so sorry to hear about your father. My sympathies to you and your family.
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Mike Donahue
November 12, 2012
I worked with and lived beside of Fred and Sandy at FUMA. We had a lot of fun in those days. Sorry to hear about Fred,one of the good guys.
November 11, 2012
Hugs and tears to all the Sponenburgs. Fred was so much to many people---father, brother, son, grandfather, uncle, and the dearest friend to everyone. He did his own "thing", being content and happy. A piece of my heart will be with him always. I miss his laugh, jokes and tender concern. May he have all the halupki, ice cream, and pie he wants. Teach the Gobi their prayers and how to make boilo. Continue to cheer Nebraska and jeer Penn State!!!!
Not good-by; we will all see you again!!
Vichaja Pamjat and Mnohaja ita!!
Lou Jones
November 11, 2012
Fred,
I didn't know you as long as most but, I liked you from the moment I met you. As I said to Evelyn, you were my kind of guy.....honest, a straight shooter, you said what you believed, and you always said it to the person's face. I admired you for your honesty. Additionally, you were always upbeat and positive. My only regret is that I didn't know you longer. I was proud to call you my friend. It is my hope that you are in that special place where you can be yourself, place your weekly bets, watch the games, and bring your brand of happiness to others. I will miss you.
john percala
November 10, 2012
to Sponenburg family and friends;
my deepest condolences,I rememember back in 1987 when i was having my house build up the street from his restaurant beckets and went over to buy a quart of beer, he looked at my shoes as he was mopping the floor and said don't move i'll get the quart. he shared his humor with many more laughts with him after that time which was day i first meet him. RIP Fred
Nancy Mahoney
November 10, 2012
Kevin,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Mahoney
Ells
November 10, 2012
Very sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He will be missed by many. The family is in my prayers.
greg lowe
November 10, 2012
To Jeff, Kevin & extended family:
Sincerest condolences on the loss of Fred. Always enjoyed seeing him and hearing what he had to say. A really wise, funnyand genuine guy. I will miss him.
Paulette Kevolic
November 10, 2012
May his memory be eternal.
The Gang at The Butcher Shop
November 9, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Fred was a great man. He called it like he seen it. He helped us out greatly with the start of our business. He always made us laugh. He will be missed. Thank you Fred for all the good memories.
Lori Kelly
November 9, 2012
What a great guy, very compassionate and understanding. He sold me my first house and was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. May God bless his family and friends with wonderful memories.
Barb Brady
November 9, 2012
Dear Sponenburg Family,
Sending condolences from Tim and me on the loss of your dear father, grandfather and brother. Fred was an original, a straight shooter, always shooting from the heart. He would help anyone. We will miss him and his many antics, stories, and "lessons." May his memory be eternal.May God bless you all and hold you close.
Bill Holley
November 9, 2012
we will miss you Fred,from playing football for St.Clair High, growing older together,and having our coffee at dunkin donuts just to talk about days gone by, miss you buddy,Bill, Ron, and Jack.
Joseph Holden
November 9, 2012
Dear Sponenburg Family:
I was so sorry to hear about Fred. It is a great loss to you and his many friends. I always enjoyed seeing him with his great humor and smile when we attended my Brother Tim's many functions over the years. We enjoyed reminising about the great memories from St. Clair High School and the football teams, his days at Fork Union Military Academy, etc. I will miss him as a good friend.
Joe Holden
Dave Duce Kline
November 9, 2012
Dan,Kevin,Jeff and the Sponenberg Family. Memory Eternal ! What a gift to have known Fred and to have him as a good friend. He always left everything he had on the field his entire life. Really glad I got to spend time with him every trip back to S.C. My memories are endless. My prayers are with all of you.
Jessica Wapinsky-Rubright
November 9, 2012
to my uncle Fred u were one of a kind just like me you always treated me like a daughter u will alwys be loved and sadly missed i will always be here for kevin and stevan and the rest of the family today is full of laughter ,tears , and more laughter tell aunt sandy i love her and miss her tons
Kevin Sponenburg
November 9, 2012
Pop, a father, grandfather, uncle and brother, who did things his way. A man who loved his family dearly and cared for his friends the same. A person who will be remembered not only for his humor, but his business ventures as well. Sneakers salesman, lobsterman, ring of fire, inflatable helmet salesman, monster house landlord, part time Becketts and Da Bar Bartender, automobile painter (w a brush I might add), bag day creator (Becketts) and Junkman to name a few. There aren't too many people who could pull all that off in a lifetime, good or BAD, he did it. A father who was one of a kind! We will miss your antics, personal quotes, business adventures and your love. RIP Pop, we love and miss you very much!
John Schweich
November 8, 2012
Vichnaja Jemu Pamjat'! A kind, gracious man who helped me understand the wonderfully complex history of St. Clair's Slavic community.
Karen, Jeff, & Garrett Gelting
November 8, 2012
Fred was definitely one of a kind.
A good man! A major force in our family.
He will be missed.
November 8, 2012
After Fred was born the mold was broken. Truly one of a kind. A good friend who will be missed. Rest in Peace Fred. Tom and Diane Noga
Annual Family reunion
Bob Sharpe
November 8, 2012
November 8, 2012
Jeff,Kevin,Gretchen,Edward,Daniel,and DD,
I an sending you all my deepest sympathy in your time of loss. My prayers will be with all of you and if you need or want to talk please feel free to call.
Love and Prayers to all.
Aunt Jane Sweigert.
Marty Rowan
November 8, 2012
Jeff and Kevin,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was such a wonderful guy and a great friend to so many. I will miss him. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
#1 in our hearts
Damaris Kope
November 8, 2012
Fred was the best brother. He didn't make things easy but he made it fun. He loved family, friends, football and Christmas. He loved being a teacher, principal, coach and businessman. He played to the end and like to have a good time. Miss you big brother!
Laura Tray- Andrews
November 8, 2012
Jeff, & Kevin,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Mr. Sponenburg was one of a kind ~~~The Andrews Family~~
November 8, 2012
Jeff and Kevin,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My thoughts and condolences are with all of you.
Nada
Pat Myro
November 8, 2012
So Sorry for your loss, my prayers and thoughts are with the Sponenburg Family
Nikki Seiwell
November 8, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mr. Sponenburg was my asisstant principle at LLHS and was a great guy. I would spend many study halls in his office counting the change from the vending machines. He truly understood the students. I do not have a bad thing to say about him. Rest in peace Mr. Sponenburg. Heaven has another angel.
2000 Yearbook - Graduation
November 8, 2012
2000 Yearbook - Moving Up Day
November 8, 2012
2000 Yearbook
November 8, 2012
2000 Yearbook
November 8, 2012
Nicole
November 8, 2012
My sincere condolences to your family. He will be missed by so many graduates of Lake Lehman High School.
Shelby Zook (Wandel)
November 7, 2012
So sorry to hear of this loss. Mr. Sponenburg was a sweet man who cared for and encouraged so many kids at LLHS. His wonderful sense of humor and kind manner will be remembered fondly. May God bless his family during this difficult time.
Chris Price
November 7, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Sponenburg family.
November 7, 2012
Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. We know if there is any possible way Frank and Fred are having a party somewhere up there!
Warm Regards, Tom,Tracy & Tammy Wapinsky
Pete Draovitch
November 7, 2012
Jeff and Kevin:
Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I've known him for about 40 years and don't think I've ever met anyone quite like him. When he and your mom owned Becketts, where else could you go to get a good meal, some football debates, lots of laughs, a shot of boilo and leave with a pair of sneakers that didn't fit your feet. He was truly one of a kind and one of the most entrepreneurial people i knew. Whether it be DaBar, selling inflatable football helmets at the Super Bowl, buying and selling restaurant equipment, painting your lawn green, or telling the Amish it would be in their best interest to have electricity, he was truly unique. Although I never got to see him often, I don't know if there was anyone who made you feel more welcome at his home. God Bless Fred and his loved ones during this time. GO HUSKERS
Pamela Dresch-Androshick
November 7, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to the Sponenburg family during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
November 7, 2012
Our condolences to Fred's family. We both taught at Lake-Lehman while Fred was assistant principal and will always remember the excellent qualities he brought to the school. He was a great guy to work with. Also, not a bad guy to get together with outside the school.
Bob and Robin Rogers
Haines City, Florida
James Kimmel
November 7, 2012
Jeff, Kevin and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Fred was one of kind and will be truly missed by all that knew him.
November 7, 2012
Danny & family,
Our heartfelt condolences to your family. Fred will be remembered in more ways than one, everyone loved him. We will keep you in our prayers.
Olga & Annie Lutza
November 7, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Sponenburg family. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you all.
Kristin Lecher
Diane
November 7, 2012
MR. Sponenburg was my high school vice Pricipal, He was very strict, fair and so sweet at the same time. He was a great authority figure, all schools need more sponi's.. My prayers are with his family at this hard time.
Bev Austin Hanlin
November 7, 2012
Jeffrey - I was your neighbor at FUMA -Jay and Jon Austin's mother. We had so many good times with your mom and dad when you all were our neighbors on Faculty Row #7 and us in #8. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Annie Higgins
November 7, 2012
Mr. Sponenburg was my vice principal in high school. He was great man! My thoughts and prayers are with his family!
Richard Augustine
November 7, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sponenburg family. May Fred's memory be eternal. Augie & Sonya
Jack McGinnis
November 7, 2012
Met Fred some 43 years ago when I was just a kid on the swim team at Cressona Pool and he was pool manager for the summmer. He was always great with me, encouraged me, and advised me. Always with a smile and a good word. So sorry for you loss and sadness.
November 7, 2012
I am so sorry to learn of Fred's passing. He was an inspiration to me and an excellent football coach.
Skip Hesse
November 7, 2012
Sponenberg Family,
Please accept my sincere deepest sympathy on Fred's passing.I have many fond memories of Fred.Take care and God bless.
Tony Pacenta
Murphy
November 6, 2012
Noxen ll be missed by many.
The words "pick a day" will hold special meaning for many students.
Peace be the journey Sponny.
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