Opal Fern Sprague

Opal Fern Sprague was born on October 17, 1934 in Willow Springs, Missouri, the daughter of Fern and John Essink. She grew up and went to school in South Dakota. Following high school Opal went to school to become a teacher. She met her husband, Stanley Sprague, while in school and they taught in various small schools in South Dakota. In 1971 Opal and Stanley moved to Austin, MN where they owned and operated the Norge Village Laundromat. In 1982 Opal went back to school at the Votec to become an RN. She worked as a nurse at the Austin Medical Center and later moved back to South Dakota where she continued working in nursing. Following her retirement Opal moved to Albert Lea. She enjoyed spending time with friends, traveling, playing scrabble, reading, and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild. Survivors include her children Roger Sprague, Virgil Sprague, and Russel Lynn Sprague; grandchildren Dustin, Jennifer, Jessica, and Levi Sprague; great-grandson James Sprague; sisters Joann Lavern Ross, and Mary Hemminger; brother John Penny Essink; special friend Keith Hall; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Opal was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Stanley, her son Orrin Sprague, and her brother-in-law Cecil Hemminger.