Francis K. Sprang, age 78, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away with family by his side on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers.
Fran was born on September 19, 1947 in Manitowoc to the late Joseph and Katherine (Windus) Sprang. He served in the United States Army and was stationed both overseas in Vietnam and Fort Hood, TX until his honorable discharge. On June 3, 1967, Fran married Marie Brouchoud in Manitowoc. She preceded him in death on March 16, 2014. Fran had worked as a forklift operator at Kelvinator, and later retired from Manitowoc Tool and Machining. He enjoyed traveling, camping at Devil’s River with his family and friends, playing softball, hosting parties at home, and going to the bars to be with his buddies. Above all, he enjoyed spending his time with his family and friends – especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include Fran’s two children, Paula Sprang and her boyfriend, Randy Wanek; and Joey (Brooke) Sprang; five grandchildren, Devon Smith, Braydon Sprang, Cora Sprang, Ellison Biely, and Sullivan Biely; five siblings, Carolyn Orth, Joanne Popp, Roger (Sandy) Sprang, Mary Mrotek, and Annie Sprang – Keil; three sisters-in-law, Donna Sprang, Mildred Fischer, and Janet Waack; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Fran was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Katherine Sprang; wife, Marie; brother, Donnie Sprang; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Jeff Keil, Scott Mrotek, John Orth, Ronnie Popp, Leroy Brouchoud, Lloyd Waack, Bill Fischer, and Margaret Brouchoud.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Lisa Novachek will officiate with entombment to follow at Knollwood Mausoleum. Military honors will be accorded by AMVETS Post 99 at Knollwood Mausoleum. A luncheon for family and friends will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
Paula and Joey want to acknowledge and thank all of the family and friends who went above and beyond to help care for their dad. Also, thanks to the staff of Aurora Medical Center for the care they provided.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
