Mary Kathryn Spragle

Mary Kathryn Spragle (Steidler) passed away on November 25, 2023, in the gentle and loving care of hospice and the staff of Friendship Village in Waterloo.

Mary was born in Waterloo, Iowa on November 23, 1942, the daughter of Gladys and John (Jack) Steidler. She graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1960. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Waterloo where she met Larry Spragle. They were married on September 22, 1961, and built a loving, service-filled life together.

Mary had a deep Christian faith, loved her family (especially her six grandchildren and one great grandchild), cherished her many friends, and enjoyed travel (from camping in Colorado to chaperoning a high-school trip that visited multiple European cities). She also generously shared her rich alto voice, often paired with her playing the guitar or piano. She instilled her passion for music in her children, and many of those whom she met, and even Parkinson's couldn't keep her from singing.

Mary worked full-time raising her three children with Larry. She then used that accumulated wisdom to work with many more children (and beloved staff) for 21 years as a secretary for the Waterloo Community Schools (mostly at West High School). Her deep work ethic and task focus were evident to all; at Friendship Village she would often spend her day tirelessly organizing paper, cloth, or ribbon.

Mary was an active member of First Lutheran Church and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waterloo where she served wherever there was need, such as helping with council, choir, worship service leadership, Sunday school, free lunch, or coffee preparation.

Mary is survived by her husband, Larry, and two of their three children, Greg Spragle (Jan), of Coralville, Iowa, Daniel Spragle (Susan), of Milton, GA. She is also survived by her sister Jackie Miller (Allen) of Waverly, brother John Steidler (LeAnn) of Waterloo, brother-in-law John Spragle (Sharon) of Clear Lake, and sister-in-law Linda West (Jim) of Ottumwa, son-in-law, Scott. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Ann Hartman, grandson, Brendan Hartman, her brother-in-law/sister-in-law Jim and Judy Spragle, and her parents.

Visitation will be at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 810 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, Iowa on Friday, December 1 at 10-11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in Mary's name.