Orval Paul Sprengeler

Orval P. Sprengeler, Sr., age 76 of Whiteriver, Arizona passed away on January 2, 2012 at Heritage Healthcare Center in Globe, Arizona. He was born on May 31, 1935 at the Lutheran parsonage in Bylas, Arizona. Son of Ernst and Erna Sprengler. His parents were several of the first Lutheran missionaries to serve in the Apache Land Missions. At a young age Orval learned to speak Apache and was fluent until his death. He became his father’s interpreter as they traveled from Apache camps and cowboys camps to tell people about God’s saving grace. At the age of 12 his family moved to East Fork were he continued to be his father’s interpreter. His high school class was one of the first to graduate from East Fork. Orval had worked many different jobs, at the Lee Mercantile, East Fork Trading Post, Whiteriver Garage, driving a logging truck and being the maintenance person at East Fork. Enjoyed spending time with his family and taking his children hunting and fishing. Orval is survived by his children Carol Howell, Esther Sprengeler, Orval Sprengeler, Jr. (Bernie), Ernst Sprengler (Julie), Lois Sprengler-Wesley (Marshall), Walter Sprengler, Sr. (Patricia), Mary Sprengeler-Tessler (Maynard) his brothers; Norbert, David and Paul Sprengeler, 22 grandchildren 9 great grand children Memorial Services will be held on Sat. January 7, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. at Grace Lutheran Church in San Carlos, AZ Burial of Ashes will be Sunday, January 8, 2012 at East Fork Cemetery.