Harlan E. Sprang, age 76, a lifelong Two Rivers resident, died on March 24, 2017, at home with his family by his side. He was born on January 2, 1941 (Manitowoc County's New Year's Baby), son of John and Lilah (Retzlaff) Sprang. He attended grade school at St. John's Lutheran School and graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1959. He married his wife, Sue Schramm at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Two Rivers. Harlan worked at Eggers Industries for 44 years, and he served as Financial Secretary and President of the Union Local 1349 during his employment. He was a member of the Army National Guard for 8 years, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant during this time. The last three years of his service were his most enjoyable because he was selected to ride with the Wisconsin State Patrol. Harlan was a member of the American Legion Post #165 and was current commander of the post. He was also a member of the combined VFW and American Legion Honor Guard Firing Squad. He participated in 215 military funerals. He appreciated the camaraderie of the Honor Guard members and loved all of them. He enjoyed spending much of his time outdoors. He always had a bountiful garden, and he spent many hours on projects to make his yard a very pleasant place to relax and enjoy nature. He also spent many hours in the woods making firewood to keep he and Sue warm in the winter. Harlan was a faithful Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan. He traveled to many states, even as far as Alaska and Hawaii to watch them play. He also liked watching the Yankees during baseball season and the Colts during the NFL season. Survivors include his wife: Sue Sprang; son: Troy Sprang and fiancée, Kim Hesse of North Carolina; son: Todd Sprang of Illinois, daughter and son-in-law: Tracy and Martin VanDrisse of Georgia, three grandchildren: Tyler & Samantha Sprang of Georgia, Chloe Erb of Michigan and also two step-grandchildren: Conor Dimond and Lily Hesse of North Carolina. Other survivors include two brothers-in-law: Bill Schramm (and wife Ana) of West Allis and Peter Schramm of Manitowoc, sister-in-law: Donna Franz (and husband Paul), several aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and his special friend from Georgia, Trixie, his daughter and son-in-law's yellow lab. Harlan also had a sister Shirley Sprang. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents: John and Lilah Sprang; an infant brother: John Jr., his in-laws: Fritz and Dorothy Schramm, a brother-in-law: Tim Schramm and a sister-in-law: Victoria Schramm. He was also preceded in death by his best friend: Sam Messman.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 17th & East Park Sts., Two Rivers. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. David Arndt, with burial in Knollwood Memorial Park, Hwy 310 Manitowoc.

Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Mar 26 2017