Traverse City, Michigan - Jerry Sprague, 83, of Traverse City passed away peacefully at his home on July 26, 2025.

Jerry was born on January 14, 1942 in Gas City, Indiana to the late John and Violet (Montgomery) Sprague.

He graduated from high school and then joined the Navy. He served our country honorably and then returned to Indiana where he lived until the early 70's.

On June 4, 1983 he married Patricia Brown.

Jerry worked at the Cherry Capital Airport for many years in the maintenance, crash, fire and rescue department. He loved aviation and had his private pilot license.

He also loved hunting and fishing. In the fall you could find him in a tree stand hunting for a big buck. Other seasons he would have a fishing rod in his hand. Lake, river, or stream it did not matter. His favorite was fishing the Manistee River with his son, Marty. During the winter he liked ice fishing for blue gills on Arbutus Lake. Later in life he enjoyed his winter trips to Florida with his brothers and sisters-in-law.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John, Dennis and Brady.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pat; their children Martin (Tracy) Sprague, Jamey Brown and Denise Daniels; five grandchildren, three great grandchildren; sister Randi Knotts of Indiana and many extended family members and friends.

A celebration of his life, with military honors and a luncheon will be held at the Fife Lake American Legion on August 9, 2025 at 11 am.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice, PACE North, Freedom Builders and the American Legion. Donations in Jerry's name can be made to those agencies.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with his family.