JOHN MORGAN SPRECHER, BARABOOJohn Morgan Sprecher, age 89, passed away peacefully to meet our Lord on Monday, February 15, 2016 at St. Clare Hospice House in Baraboo, surrounded by his loving family. John was born to Noble and Harriet Sprecher on May 25, 1926 in Baraboo, attended high school there and entered the Navy when he was 17 years of age. He served in both the WWII and Korean conflicts. He was a proud member of the Baraboo Elks Club and a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. In 1949, he married his life partner, Barbara Ann Lee, to whom he was married for almost 57 years at the time of her passing in 2006. Together they raised four loving daughters, Susan Sprecher, Stephanie Gaddas, Sandra Horkan of Baraboo and Sharon (Robert) LaRue of Norwalk, WI. His working career began and ended in the family shoe store business of Red Goose Shoes for well over 40 years. He loved the Baraboo community where he spent his entire life; many families growing up in the 50s until his retirement were 'shoed' at his store. He might remember your shoe size before he did your name. He will be thought of my many as the Golden Egg man with the wooden riding horse in the store.John's greatest passions in life were God, family and his country. He was the definition of a devoted husband and doting father; also proud to call himself a good patriot. He had the distinct privilege of participating in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2013 to tour the national military monuments. It was one of the most memorable and treasured experiences of his life, where they received a heroes' welcome home parade. Our family is so grateful to a close friend Glenda who made the trip possible for John and his oldest daughter. John's love of playing cards, gardening and decorating his home during the holidays were appreciated by many who viewed his flowers and well-lit house at Christmas. He was known as the Red Goose guy by some, Funguli by others, but he will be remembered by all as a man of integrity who was genuine, fun-loving and always happiest when making others laugh and letting them know they were appreciated for being a part of his life. To our family he was Dad or Papa; he was our leader, the rock and glue of our lives. He was who we could come to for guidance, gentle advice and complete, unconditional love. The hole left in our hearts will slowly be filled with treasured memories and gratitude for the legacy he leaves behind, along with the many stories we will tell in his honor. We are truly blessed and thankful for his moral and spiritual leadership. John is survived by his devoted daughters; his granddaughters, Jessica Kolar (Kevin Crawford) and Stacy McMahon (Cory Wetzel); grandsons, MJ Horkan and Rory Horkan (Pam); great-grandchildren, Zoe and Olivia Kolar, David Wetzel, Liridon Horkan; extended grandchildren, Jamie (Mike) Vix, Brandon (Jenny) LaRue and Dustin LaRue; and extended great-grandchildren, Makayla, Ella, Brooks, Livia, Chloe and Cameron. He is also survived by his brothers, Rodney and Bud (Demi) Sprecher and sisters, Nola Sprecher and Shari Schell, all of Baraboo, and a large number of nieces and nephews who grew up knowing and loving their Uncle John for the unique and special man he was to so many. John was preceded in death by his parents, brother George, sisters Mary Krueger and Bonnie Cole, and brothers and sisters-in-law Jackie Sprecher, Richard Krueger, Bill Cole and Tom Schell. The family will celebrate John's life with a visitation on Friday, February 19, at 10:00 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo with Father Jay Poster officiating. Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 987 will perform military rites at the church following the mass. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. We would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Randy Krszjzaniek, whose dedicated care over the years extended our father's life, and also to Julie Morris and the compassionate caregivers at St. Clare Hospice House. You have our deepest gratitude.