Edward William ''Ed" Spragg

Edward William ''Ed" Spragg

August 8, 1936 - October 11, 2022
Share:

Edward's Obituary

Retired middle school science teacher, Edward William “Ed” Spragg, 86, of Belt, died peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, following heart surgery at a local hospital in Great Falls.

A vigil service will be on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel (1410 13th Street South). The funeral Mass will be held the following day on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Belt. A reception will be held after the Mass at the Belt Theater. Burial will be on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Great Falls. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Ed was born on August 8, 1936, to Walter and Zoey McCallum Hoffman Spragg in Lewistown, MT where he spent his days hunting and fishing with his childhood friends. He was an accomplished amateur boxer and remained a fan of the sport throughout his life. He graduated from St. Leo’s High School in 1954 and went on to earn his master’s degree in Education. He began his student teaching at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Great Falls and later taught at Centerville, MT before transferring to Belt. He was a life-long learner, and recently told his daughter, Sandra, that he was very proud of his education. After thirty-one years of teaching, he retired from Belt Public Schools in 1991. During his teaching career, he belonged to various organizations, including Toastmasters, and in the 1960s was the president of the Centerville MEA unit. He enjoyed flying model airplanes, many of which were displayed in his classroom. He was also a successful coach and refereed for several years. It was a well-known fact that Ed did not put up with any nonsense from his students and that he expected them to do their best.

In 1959, Ed married Nancy Cassun in Black Eagle, MT, and to this union were born three children, Sandra, Eric, and Michael. In 1972 Ed married Marjorie Doheny, and later adopted Marge’s son, Darrell.

Ed was always industrious and was never found to be without something to do. After his retirement from teaching, he worked in crop adjusting for several years, and continued to drive bus for Belt, including the Highwood route and athletic events. He was very creative and over the years his hobbies included painting, stained glass, and crafting homemade knives, some of which were so small that it was a miracle he did not lose his fingers in the process of making them. Many family members, friends, and acquaintances have the honor of owning a knife made by Ed. He was an ardent supporter of the 2nd Amendment and enjoyed shooting and gun collecting. He was president of the Montana Plainsmen Black Powder Shooting Club for eight years and also participated in cowboy action shooting. He was also a member of the NRA, a 25-year member of the Weapons Collectors Society of Montana, and the executive secretary for many years. He was currently the state vice-president and a director from District 1. Ed was a member of St. Mark’s Parish in Belt for nearly 50 years and was a lector and the chairman of the finance council. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and at the time of his death, the treasurer, faithfully carrying out his duties to the end. Ed enjoyed attending daily Mass and visiting with friends afterward at the Belt Senior Center, reading, participating at gun shows, tinkering in his garage, enjoying breakfast and coffee with the guys during the week, helping with church events, attending basketball games, and spoiling his pets. He thoroughly enjoyed being in the outdoors, camping, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also shared many memorable adventures with his special nieces and nephews.

Ed is survived by his wife, Marjorie; his first wife, Nancy; his children, Sandra Spragg Guynn, Eric Spragg, Michael (Tassie) Spragg, and Darrell (Sherry) Aaby; grandchildren, Jessica (Andrew) Emanuel, Ashley Spragg, Brooke (Marty) Luoma, Andrew Spragg, Holly Spragg, Casey Aaby, Cody and Madysyn Aaby, Whitney and Taylor, and Keighty (Eli) Jones; and five great-grandchildren; siblings, Donald (Arlene) Spragg, Doris Wright, and Theresa Dimico; and sisters-in-law, Phyllis Spragg and Diana Spragg; and many nieces and nephews. Ed is also survived by his many friends and was especially close to the guys he had breakfast and coffee with and the “Discovers Group.”  Ed was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Gary Guynn; siblings, Wilhelmina Soap, Mary (Harold) Hasenkrug, Ronald Spragg, Violet (Ron) Kastens, Bernadette (Ed) Schultz, and Daniel Spragg.

Ed/Dad/Papa had an incredible strength of character and fortitude that has been an inspiration to us all. We all take comfort knowing that Ed lived a very productive and faith-filled life, and throughout his life, he influenced and mentored many.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Come, share your master’s joy! (Matthew 25: 23)

Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus, % Paul Heikkila, P.O. Box 314, Belt, MT 59412; the Belt Food Bank; Belt Public Schools Athletics Department, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Vigil Service

Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel
  • Email Details
  • 1410 13th Street South
    Great Falls, MT 59405

Funeral Mass

St. Mark's Catholic Church
  • Email Details
  • 128 Castner St
    Belt, MT 59412

Graveside Service

Mount Olivet Cemetery

Send Flowers

Express your condolences with flowers sent to Edward's family

Order Online
undisplayed image used for detecting colors