Wilbur Edward Spreutels, 87, of Koshkonong, Missouri, passed away August 13, 2023, asleep in his home, just the way he wanted to. Wilbur was born February 14, 1936, in Seattle, Washington to Wilbur H. and Helene (Wessel) Spreutels.
Wilbur moved to New York when he was 16 and met The New York State Jersey Queen, Elsie Smith and a marriage of 62 years fell into place. He convinced Elsie to leave the Jerseys and take up dairy farming with Holsteins for the next 30 years.
During this time, they had four children, Ken, Steve, Janet and Eugene. They moved to Koshkonong, Missouri in 1983 and established Spreutels Farm. They raised beef cattle, mostly Red Angus for the last 40 years.
Wilbur loved the orchard, the garden, showing quarter horses and driving his big red tractors. But his priority was his beef cattle. He said many times “Farming isn’t just a job, I enjoy it and it’s my hobby too.”
Wilbur was full of life and had a quick wit with an equally quick, ornery grin that provided us with many laughs over the years. He was a Christian and faithfully attended the Kosh Methodist Church. He was always praying for our country and for rain. He loved his family and friends and will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife/business partner; three sons Ken, wife Pam and granddaughter Kendra of Hiwasse, Arkansas, Steve, wife Rhonda and grandson Spencer of Koshkonong, Missouri; and Eugene, wife Sandy of Koshkonong, Missouri; one brother Gordon, wife Marie of Bainbridge, New York; one sister Kathy Biglin, husband Denny of Connecticut; honorary granddaughter and farm buddy Mary Lee Simmons and many, many more family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter Janet Spreutels; one sister Delores Force.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kosh Methodist Church in Koshkonong, Missouri. Visitation will be Friday, August 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. until time of service.
Interment will be on Friday, August 18, 2023, in Koshkonong Cemetery, Koshkonong, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
August 16, 2023 @ 6:54 am
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
August 16, 2023 @ 11:09 am
Oh my! How Wibur will be missed & fondly remembered by his family & our community. He has been a friend & neighbor to so many of us.
August 16, 2023 @ 3:14 pm
Elsie. we have many memories of visiting the farm in Rockdale. We pray that your grief will be tempered by the many happy times you shared with Wilber and your family. Hugs.
Linda and Jim Karl
August 16, 2023 @ 6:28 pm
Gordon, Marie and family. We are very sorry to hear of your brothers passing. We hope your great memories of Wilber will lessen the pain.
Bunny & Don
August 16, 2023 @ 8:51 pm
So sorry for your loss. Wilbur will be missed by the community and friends.
Elsie you are in our prayers.
August 17, 2023 @ 10:29 pm
Wilbur was a fine man the Lord is getting a keeper so sorry for his family’s lost.
August 18, 2023 @ 2:59 am
We thought so very much of Mr Spreutels
He will be missed
May God grant comfort to you all
August 18, 2023 @ 7:04 pm
My deepest sympathy to the family a life well lived. Rest in peace
September 30, 2023 @ 4:26 pm
I was unaware of Wilbur’s passing until today.Wilbur helped me to find my first Red Angus bull to expedite me gradually from 51 years of the dairy business. Upon my first visit and after business I ask him if I could pray.He answered with a sincere yes! I told the Lord of all my plans.As I bought more bulls through the years Wilbur would meet me each time with passion and pride! God has blessed! I will miss this great man!
October 28, 2023 @ 9:17 am
Sorry to read of Wilber’s passing! Being from Sidney, I knew the family and the awesome farm, Hard work and good living kept them all busy, successful and healthy!
Hello to Marie, Gordon and family!
Blessings and prayers to all!
April 25, 2024 @ 10:45 am
I visited their farm way back in 2003 when I started in Extension as a Livestock Specialist with MU. Randy Saner took me to the farm, I remember how great the cattle looked but was really impressed with the way they managed their pastures. I would ask Randy (who is in Nebraska now) about their farm time to time. I didn’t know Wilbur well obviously but he made an impression on me!