Alan F. Sprenger

Alan Fred Sprenger, 77, passed away peacefully on December 27th in Madison, Wisconsin; reunited with his wife, Kathleen, in eternal life.

Known affectionately as Al, he was born on March 6, 1947 to Arno and Rose (Boeldt) Sprenger. The youngest of three boys, Al and his brothers grew up in Millersville, Wisconsin, surrounded by a large number of extended family members and friends. Included in that group were their neighbors Robert and Marion Tuschl. Their daughter, Kathi Tuschl, Al’s childhood friend, would become his bride and beloved wife for over 50 years.

Al graduated from Howards Grove High School where he excelled in athletics and participated in student government. Al attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he participated on the track & field team and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. 

After Al’s graduation, Al and Kathi set off for adventures out west. Their first married home was in Denver, Colorado, followed by some years in Walnut Creek, California where their daughter Jessica was born. A stop in Columbus, Ohio drew them back to the Midwest. Ultimately, Al was called home to Wisconsin with an opportunity to work with his brother John. Al and Kathi settled in Appleton where his son Tyler was born. Al eventually took over the business and grew Kitchen’s II Interior Design into one of the most respected centers for tasteful home design in the Fox Valley. Aside from his business, Al surprised himself with his delight in teaching design at Fox Valley Technical School and inspiring students with his experience and ideas. In 2022, Al and Kathi relocated to Madison, a move that brought them closer to their children and Kathi’s sister Heidi (Gary) Skaar and her family.

Al was a passionate sports fan who could list the latest statistics for the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks. He was a long serving coach for Tyler’s youth baseball programs and in the bleachers for Appleton North and West Athletics. Al became an honorary Wisconsin Badger with both of his children attending and earning degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ultimately, Al’s favorite superstars were his grandchildren. Al and Kathi could be counted on to crisscross the state to watch academic and athletic events for Noah, Max, Nora, Natalie, and Elsa.

Al and Kathi made it a goal to see the world. Together they traveled across the country and internationally to Mexico, Europe, and the Middle East. Al set out on one last journey to Northern Europe in September 2024 as a solo member of a group vacation. Despite the loss of his beloved traveling companion Kathi, Al relished his opportunity, made friends, and returned with many new stories.

Those who knew Al, will remember his zest for life and his knack for having a good time. However, to see the best of Al was to watch him on his fishing boat, adjusting bobbers and hooking worms for his grandchildren.

Al is survived by his daughter Jessica (Chris Schulenburg) Sprenger Schulenburg and their boys Noah and Max; son Tyler (Susan Lorch) Sprenger and their girls Nora, Natalie, and Elsa; his brother Jerome (Barbara) Sprenger and their children; as well as his sister-in-law Terry Sprenger and her children. Al was preceded in death by his wife Kathi, his parents Arno and Rose, and his brother John.

Funeral Services will be held in Madison on Wednesday, January 8th. A private family ceremony will be held at Forrest Hills Cemetery at 11 am. All are welcome to join in a celebration of life and fellowship at the Great Dane Brewing Company, Hilldale (357 Price Place) from 12:30-2:30 pm.