Leonard Mitchell `Bud` Sprecher
Leonard Mitchell `Bud` Sprecher , Age 93
Sprecher, Leonard Mitchell
A beloved family man, proud U.S. Navy veteran, dedicated volunteer and faithful servant, Leonard Mitchell "Bud" Sprecher, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service and generosity. Bud was born on October 5, 1931, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, to Noble and Harriet (Hood) Sprecher. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Demi (Bisch) Sprecher, on January 3, 1953, at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo.
Bud lived an extraordinary life that wasn't measured by fame or fortune, but rather by showing up for the people he loved, giving his time to others, finding joy in the simple things, and making every day count. His wonderful sense of humor, his kind and giving heart, and his unending thoughtfulness served as his compass throughout his life — guiding the way he lived, loved, worked and gave. During his 93 years, he made an impact in countless ways — quietly making life just a little better for everyone around him.
Bud served in the Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955 and was stationed in San Diego, California. He served on the USS Luzon ARG2 Marine Engine Repair Ship as a Pipefitter First Class LMS. Bud worked for several plumbing businesses and retired from Terrytown Plumbing in 1994. He takes great pride in having plumbed at various well-known Baraboo sites, including the Circus World Museum trains and the calliope, Ishnala Supper Club, and the Al Ringling Theatre, to name of few.
Bud and Demi loved to travel. One of their favorite annual trips was going around the country for the Luzon Ship Reunions, as well as going on the Badger Honor Flight with his oldest son Scott, also a Navy veteran. Traveling to the Netherlands to visit Maritte and Willem Harlaar, who are dear family friends, was always a highlight. They loved taking the train whenever they could and Bud even got to ride the Circus train to Milwaukee. Bud loved to fish and hunt. He passed this love of outdoorsmanship on to his family. There were annual Canadian fishing trips, trips to Sioux Falls, SD to bird hunt, and numerous deer hunting excursions. Bud and Demi always came back with wonderful stories and great memories and new friends.
Bud served his community in various ways. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and grilled many chickens for the annual church festival and Camp Gray as well as other capacities. He had the longest tenure of the Elks Club BPOE 688 for 73 years. He stuffed many stockings for the children’s Christmas program at the Elk’s Club. He was a lifetime member of St. Vincent De Paul and he was a member of the VFW. Bud was honored by his family with a brick at the new VFW Memorial wall for his military service. He also enjoyed the annual Pheasant Forever banquets. Bud was always proud to donate blood to the Red Cross and earned many pins doing so. He was such a selfless hardworking man in so many ways all while raising nine children.
Bud and Demi lived in their home in Baraboo until 1994, when they relocated to their cottage on Lake Redstone. It’s where many precious memories were made—boating, fishing, swimming, baking cookies, woodworking projects that he gifted, and hosting fun filled and cherished gatherings. Bud was at his happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Bud was known for his hospitality and with nine kids, “What’s a few more?” “Bud-isms” were always abundant. He had an uncanny sense of humor.
Bud is survived by his nine children, Scott, Tim, Pat (Mary), Peter (Terry), Tom (Anna), Jeanne (Steve) Pointon, David (Kelly), Jerry and Laurie (Steve) Kowalke. Twenty-five grandchildren, Lucas, Kristen, Kelly, Katie, Kassi, Leah, Ashley, Nicole, Greg, Steven, Janna, Kyla, Brittany, Tyler, Emily, Anne, Ben, Jade, Justine, Max, Ana, Claire, Lindsey, Mark and Connor, twenty-three great grandchildren and his sister Shari Schell and many nieces and nephews.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife Demi, his parents, sisters Bonneviere (Edgar) Cole, Mary (Richard) Krueger, Nola Sprecher, brothers, George Sprecher (KIA in North Africa in WWII), John Sprecher, Rodney Sprecher, his brother-in-law Thomas Schell and sisters-in-laws, Barbara Sprecher and Jackie Sprecher.
Bud’s family would like to thank Greenway Manor in Spring Green and Agrace for their amazing care.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Bud will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11am. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 4pm until 7pm at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home as well as the church on Tuesday from 10am until the time of mass. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul, Baraboo Elks Club, SJS Cancer Support Team, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences
Terry spencer April 15, 2025
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
My sincerest condolences to the Sprecher family. Bud was a great guy and a character. Cherish all your fond memories cuz I’m sure there are many. God bless you all.
marlene "Mickey" Powell Parchem April 15, 2025
friend baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry to hear of Buds passing. God Bless you all.
Dennis and Penny Quandt April 15, 2025
Friend Dothan , AL
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.God Bless Sorry we are unable to attend
Jeff Sprecher April 15, 2025
relative baraboo , Wisconsin
Uncle Bud had a long full life . Camping, playing on the farm, holidays, I have so many fond memories of growing up with all the cousins, aunts,uncles and grandparents. He is with them now. My condolences to all.
Sharon Crahen April 15, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Such a great guy. Such a great family
Faith and Rose Vertein April 16, 2025
Family friend NORTH FREEDOM , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss, In our thoughts and prayers
Becca April 16, 2025
Cousin to mark and Connor kowalke Baraboo , Wisconsin
I’m so sorry for you lose Connor and mark sending love to you guys and your family
Borys and Vicky Kusyk April 16, 2025
Acquaintance Beaufort , South Carolina
Please receive our sincerest sympathies in Bud's passing. One of the great's from the Greatest Generation.
Anika Harlaar & Rory van Rees April 16, 2025
Family friend Utrecht
Dear Sprecher family, We are so sorry for your loss of this very generous, kind, warm and loving grandpa Bud. We have sweet memories of the moments together with Bud and Demi and the whole Sprecher bunch. I will treasure the wooden jewelry box Bud made even more. Thank you for always giving us a home far away from home. Strength for all of you in these hard and sad moments. Rest in peace dear Bud. Love, Rory & Anika Harlaar-van Rees The Netherlands
Johan Oostveen April 16, 2025
friend of the family 3425EN Snelrewaard
I remember like it was yesterday that I was a guest, better part, of the Sprecher family for months in 1981. Bud, and family, were very hospitable and he was very humorous. My kind of Guy. Great memories. Rest in peace Bud.
Darren Charpie April 16, 2025
Family Friend Marion , Ohio
We came to Baraboo in 1988 as newlyweds and not knowing anyone in town. We were quickly welcomed to Sprecher family gatherings by Bud and Demi. Thanks to Bud, I now know what "runs downhill" and that payday is on Friday. RIP Buddy Boy. You are a legend.
Carol Keepers April 17, 2025
Community member Baraboo , Wisconsin
I LOVE this memorial and the legacy he left! Thinking of my Dad, also a Korean veteran and their shared values, PRAISE THE LORD for the legacy left!
Badger Honor Flight April 17, 2025
friend Oregon , Wisconsin
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Leonard Sprecher. We are forever grateful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Father Ray Dischler April 17, 2025
Chaplain madison , Wisconsin
Loved Ones of Leonard - Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Leonard "Bud" and you are being remembered in my Masses and other prayers. I connected with your family during my years as Chaplain / Director of Pastoral Care at St. Clare Hospital, 1979 - 1987.
Kelly Sunde April 21, 2025
friend and personal pheasant blocker coordinator Watertown , South Dakota
Bud, one of a kind gentleman. Lots of fond memories, hunting, fishing along with after the hunt shananigans. I will always remember you and Demi and how you welcomed me into your family. You both will be missed but not ever taken for granite, Thanks my friend. Time to enjoy your're Love of your're life once again. Kelly
Debbie Anstett April 21, 2025
niece Plover , Wisconsin
When I think about the passing of my dear relatives, I want to feel gratitude. It's not easy to do that, but I feel so grateful to have known all my aunts and uncles, grandparents and many, many cousins. I regret having to miss seeing many of you at Uncle Bud's remembrance, but we will be watching on line and send all our love. Two things that come to mind about Uncle Bud. How he so enjoyed David's brats at the Bisch Bash for many years. And when I was much younger, "making pickles" in the kitchen on the farm. I couldn't believe how many we made, it went on and on and on. I figured that you all really enjoyed your pickles. And I learned to admire Uncle Bud's prowess in the kitchen. Grateful for the many years we had with him and send our heartfelt sympathy.
Bill McKenzie April 21, 2025
Friend of Tim Fitchburg , Wisconsin
Tim; I’m greatly saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. We are all here to support you.
Payne Family April 22, 2025
Friend of Dave and Kelly Sioux falls , South Dakota
Though we didn’t have a chance to know Bud personally - he certainly sounds like an incredible Father, Grandfather, husband and friend and his legacy will live on through all those who loved him. Deepest sympathy to his family members and may you be surrounded by the many cherished memories in the days to come. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jess Ewers April 23, 2025
Friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Pete and Teri. So sorry to hear of your loss.