Jean M. Sproule

Jean M. Sproule passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family just two weeks after celebrating her 96th birthday. Jean was born July 26, 1929, a child of the Great Depression, to Forrest and Hazel (Carradine) Kelm in Janesville.

Jean grew up on a farm near Evansville, WI, and learned her strong work ethic from a very young age. Money was scarce, times were challenging, and there was always work to be done. Even as a little girl, Jean would have to get up early every morning to help milk the cows by hand. She attended the White Star one room school for 1st thru 8th grade. It was during this time Jean developed her love of reading, a passion that she would later pass on to her children. Even though times were hard and the family struggled, whenever she spoke of growing up on the farm with her parents, her brother and sisters, and the family dog Tuffy, she always reminisced sharing memories with a big smile. Jean graduated from Evansville High School in 1948.

It was on a double date that Jean met the love of her life, Warren Sproule. Jean and Warren were married November 5, 1949. The couple celebrated 70 years together before he passed in 2019.

When describing Jean’s life, it could be summed up in one word. Family. Jean dedicated her life to lovingly raising her 4 children and supporting her husband, Warren. Jean's children realized long ago the sacrifices that she made so that they might have more opportunities in life than she had. Jean’s children find comfort in knowing that their parents are dancing once again in Heaven.

Jean is survived by her children; Gary (Cathy) Sproule, Randy Sproule, Susan Sproule, and Sharon (Jeff) Potrykus, 4 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Richard, sisters Dorothy, Betty, Alice Mae, and son-in-law Michael Finn.

A visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI, 53705. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am at Asbury Church, 6101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The family will greet guests from 10:00 am until the time of service at church. Jean will be buried next to her husband Warren at Emerald Grove Cemetery near Janesville.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Ingleside Assisted Living and to the staff of Agrace HospiceCare for their extraordinarily compassionate care of Jean in her final months.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406