Paul Robert Sprehe's Obituary
Paul Robert (Bob) Sprehe, a good and faithful servant of God, was taken into His loving arms on Wednesday, February 7, 2007.
Bob was surrounded by his loved ones at his home. He fought a valiant 18 month battle with cancer.
Bob was born on September 8, 1933 in Vandalia, IL and was a 36 year resident of Covington, LA.
A graduate of the University of Illinois with a B.S. in petroleum engineering, he also held an MBA in finance and economics from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and received professional training from the Graduate School of Banking of the South at LSU.
He served as a 1st Lieutenant with the US Army. Bob was currently employed as an Economist with the Department of Natural Resources in Baton Rouge, LA.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Hazel Sprehe of Centralia, IL and Gale and Katie Burnham of Franklin, LA.
He was a loving and dedicated husband of 41 years to Carolyn Sprehe of Covington, LA; a devoted and supportive father to Elizabeth Sprehe Klocek of Covington, LA and Drs. Michael Robert Sprehe and Didi Mon-Sprehe of Sioux Falls, SD; and an adoring Papa to Alexander Paul Klocek of Covington, LA. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Dana Sprehe of Belleville, IL; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Dave Patton of Columbus, OH; sister-in-law, Pat McGee of Marshall, TX; brother and sister-in-law, John and Maria Burnham of Apple Valley, CA; and Goddaughter, Jennifer Sprehe Koman of St. Louis, MO. He leaves behind many special neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family.
Those of us that knew him best will remember him as the kindest, wisest, most loving man. Bob was always there for his family and friends, and he believed life with his family was Heaven on Earth.
Our fondest memories will be of him playing ball, calling to the birds, reading books, and sharing milkshakes with his grandson.
Bob was a great storyteller and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball and LSU basketball fan. Bob was actively involved in the church and community, especially as his children were growing up.
He is a charter member of St. Timothy United Methodist Church, served on the board of the 4th Ward Recreation Association, and was known as Coach Sprehe to the many children on his soccer, baseball, and basketball teams.
A truly great man has been taken too soon from this world. Bob was an inventor, entrepreneur, coach, teacher, loyal and loving family man and friend. All of our love to you, Bob, Dad, Papa, and friend. We will all be together again one day, and we know you will be watching over us and protecting us from your place in Heaven until that time.
The family would welcome calls and visits from family and friends. The family extends its appreciation to all those who have given them support and prayers over the last year and a half—friends, family, neighbors, church members, and co-workers.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 11:00 am in the St. Timothy United Methodist Church Memorial Garden. Memorial donations may be made in Bob Sprehe’s name to Hospice of St. Tammany, 1202 S. Tyler, Covington, LA 70433.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?