William Bartels

William "Sprague" Bartels, age 93 of Montello passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Tivoli in Portage. Sprague was born in Fond du Lac on June 26, 1924 to William and Alice (Sprague) Bartels. He graduated from Madison East School in 1942 and immediately entered the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country during World War II. During his time in service, he served aboard the submarine tender, USS Holland stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as well as in at the submarine base in New London, Connecticut. Following his time in the military, Sprague graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1955. Sprague was a proud life member of the U.S. Naval Institute in Annapolis, MD as well as a "Plank Owner" and life member of the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. Sprague moved to Montello permanently in 1985 and it was important to him visit his family throughout the country regularly. He made many memories with his special friend, Merle Tipton until her passing in September of 2010. Sprague is survived by several distant relatives and special friends: Chris (Duane) Smith, Mike (Jean) Stalker, Kelly Bormett as well as Merle's family. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Howard Dale Theobald and loving companion, Merle Tipton. Honoring Sprague's wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com