George Sprecher, 91, departed this life on May 24, 2015, after being hospitalized a short time following a stroke. George, son of Charles and Dora (Rhode) Sprecher, was born on August 30, 1923, in Polo, IL. A short time later, his family moved to a farm near Milledgeville, where George spent his youth.

After graduating from Milledgeville High School in 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. George saw combat on Okinawa where he spent 81 days. Because his duty was in communications for the Sixth Marine Artillery Unit, he was well aware that the atomic bomb was to be dropped on Hiroshima and well aware of the significance. He was there when the bomb was loaded. He was then transferred to China where he remained until the war ended.

After the war, George returned home and enrolled at Southern Illinois University and soon after married Lois L. Sprecher (Larson) on June 29, 1947. He completed his degree in electrical engineering at the Chicago Technical College, starting his work in Dubuque, Iowa. As his work assignments and responsibilities changes and grew, he and his family moved often, living in Dixon, Sterling, Belvidere, Lena and Freeport. After retirement, they returned to Belvidere.

Always athletic, George play basketball and baseball in his youth and golfed until the age of 86. He and his wife, Lois, were avid bridge players for years. His civic duties were many. They included serving on the Boone County Board for nine years. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church, a Mason, a Noble in Shriner's International, and served on many boards including, OSF, Salvation Army, Boone County Board of Health, and Bel Mar Country Club.

George, a dedicated family man, is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Lois; his son, Dr. David (Deborah) Sprecher; his daughter, Lori (Brian) Hornbeck; two grandsons, Travis (Katie) Hornbeck and Nathan Hornbeck; two brothers, Wayne (Doris) Sprecher and Lloyd (Pat) Sprecher. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, three brothers, and his granddaughter, Kristi Sprecher.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at the Belvidere First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Amy Poust officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, c/o Tebala Shrine, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.