Lenore Victoria Sprangers (Konkel), age 95, of Iola, WI passed away on July 18, 2026 at Manawa Community Living Center.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness, all provided by her inherent need to quietly take care of those she loved most. Lenore was born on January 2, 1931 to Leo A. and Frances (Cherek) Konkel in the township of Franzen in Marathon County, WI. She was the youngest of nine children and easily learned the importance of family.

Soon after finishing her schooling in Wittenberg, she met Joseph E. Sprangers after finally agreeing to dance with him at the local dance hall. They married on February 10, 1953 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Galloway, WI. Together they built a life in Iola, WI where they both worked for Consolidated Badger of Iola, a division of Morning Glory Dairy; he as the plant manager and she as the bookkeeper. Joe and Lenore raised five children in their house that they made a home for over 65 years. Lenore enjoyed sewing, crocheting and knitting, volunteering with the local Meals on Wheels program, trying new recipes, especially hosting and cooking for holidays, birthdays and the annual week of deer hunting, and visiting with family and friends both on the phone and in person. A house full of the sounds of her family and friends was music to her ears!

Later in life, nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren. Affectionately called "Grandma Nor", her house was always open to sleepovers, card games, homemade baked goods including her infamous monster cookies, and a freezer full of treats. Seeing her family gathered around her big wooden table for homemade meals was truly her heaven on earth. Even with all the LOUD laughter, good-natured jokes, and the reminiscing of old times, hardly getting a word in for herself, she sat across from her husband at the head of the table quietly smiling and soaking in the joy of her family as they shared more than just her delicious meals. "Save your fork for dessert!" was the unnecessary reminder she always gave as the meal would finish up, for everyone knew a sweet treat was coming next. Lenore once shared a story she heard about comparing that "dessert fork" to Heaven; someone had asked to be buried with a fork, because they knew the best was yet to come. We are comforted in knowing Lenore is now finally enjoying what comes next as she was peacefully welcomed into Heaven's gates.

She is survived by her five children; Joseph (Phyllis) Sprangers, Michael (Leann Garmon) Sprangers, Patricia (Felix Neta) Jones, Mark (Lynn) Sprangers, and Daniel (Patty) Sprangers. Seven grandchildren; Melissa, Jenni, Sara, Michele, Johnna, Teresa and Alex, ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, all six of her brothers, her two sisters, numerous siblings-in-laws, infant grandson Nicholas, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 31st with Father Douglas LeCaptain officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM. Interment of cremains will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Iola during a private service.

The family would like to specially thank all of the kind, hardworking, and dedicated staff of Synergy Home Health, the Thedacare Medical System, and Manawa Community Living Center for your support and care in recent years.

In lieu of flowers, all memorials will be donated to Young Impressions Childcare Center in Iola in honor of Lenore's love of caring for others, especially children.