Obituary of Anthony Michael Spraske

On Friday, October 16th, 2020, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Gig Harbor, Washington, Anthony Michael Spraske, 79, left this Earth to become one of Heavens new angels. Born on September, 24, 1941 in Norwich, Connecticut to John Joseph and Laura (Benoit) Spraske. His family included siblings John Jr., Elizabeth, Irene and Walter.

            He graduated from NFA (Norwich Free Academy) in 1960 and shortly afterwards joined the U.S. Air Force as a canine handler. While stationed at RAF Lakenheath in England he met  his first wife, Rosina, and a daughter, Laura, and a son, Travis, were born.

            On October 10, 1969, he married his current wife, Judie, and became “Dad” to her five children (Debbie, Joey, Phil, Gary and Scott). To their union two more daughters, Heidi and Bambi, were born.

            Following a move from Connecticut to Washington State in 1981 he embarked on careers in both boat building and aerospace. Ultimately retiring from The Boeing Company in 1999.

            He spent his later years tinkering with lawnmowers, running a booth at the local swap meet, collecting fishing reels and gem stones and loving on his beloved animals and extensive family including 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Known for his love of both children and the outdoors, he lead the Lake Holiday fishing derby for many years. An avid outdoorsman since childhood, he enjoyed spending time surrounded by nature, hunting and fishing throughout his life.

            After a long, valiant battle with cancer our beloved husband, father and Papa is at peace. He was eagerly awaiting being reunited with his loved ones in Heaven including his parents (John and Laura), siblings (John Jr., Elizabeth and Walter), son (Joey), daughter (Laura) and great-granddaughter (Gabrielle). He is survived by his loving wife, Judith, of 51 years. His sons, Travis (Kathleen) Spraske of Ambleside Cumbria, England, Philip (Sherri) Bouten of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Gary (Christine) Bouten of Plainfield, CT, and Scott (Michelle) Bouten of Gig Harbor, WA. His daughters, Deborah (Kenneth) Glaude of Voluntown, CT, Heidi (Chris) King of Gig Harbor, WA, and Bambi (Dana) Fegley of Gig Harbor, WA. Also survived by numerous grandchildren (Mike, Kenny, Aimee, Jimmy, Bobby, Heather, Dan, Eric, Kim, Joey, Troy, Meredith, Nicole, Chelsea and Hayley) and great-grandchildren who were blessed to call him “Papa Bear”. His faithful companions, Skippy (the dog) and Kit Kit (his kitty) rarely left his side.

            Always proud of his time in the Air Force he will be honored with an intimate military service at Tahoma National Cemetery on Thursday, October 29th. Due to COVID, attendance is limited and a Celebration of Life will be planned by family at a later date.