Isaac Sproat

Through the life he lived each day, Isaac Sproat taught us that there is nothing of greater importance than treating others as we ourselves would want to be treated. He was a faith-filled man who never concerned himself with building wealth according to the world’s measure, but set his sights on being a man after God’s own heart. Isaac has been described as a giant of a man who was devoted to his wife and children. Although he loved being a father, he just may have said that becoming a grandfather was his greatest reward. Life will never be the same without Isaac here, but his family finds comfort in knowing that death has no sting for those who believe, and they look forward to a glorious reunion one day in their eternal home.

The year 1923 was part of the glorious decade of the Roaring Twenties when advancements in technology brought us the first portable radio and the first refrigerator while crowds cheered on the players during the inaugural game played in Yankee Stadium. This same year brought a time of great celebration for one young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they rejoiced in the birth of their son, Isaac. He was born in the family home on Delony Street during one of the worst blizzards the city had ever seen. Isaac was the youngest of three children born to his parents, Isaac John and Ruth (Fernhout) Sproat, and was raised alongside his older siblings, Harvey and Ruth. His father worked at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company while his mother was a busy homemaker.

In many ways Isaac experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. Sometimes known as Curly, Red, Ike, and Jack, he loved hunting and fishing as a young boy and also loved to ski at John Ball Park. Isaac attended local schools including Straight Street Elementary, and his high school years found him at Union High School where he played the trombone in the marching band. From a young age he was a jack of all trades who marveled at anything and everything mechanical. As a result, Isaac figured out how to fix or repair just about anything.

After graduating from high school in 1940, Isaac was poised for all that life had in store for him. He joined the Army on February 22, 1943, during the days of WWII. Isaac spent three years in Germany and Normandy, and he was part of the Ardennes Campaign in Central Europe as a military police.

With his military duty fulfilled, Isaac was discharged on October 26, 1945. He returned home and found work at Keeler Brass and General Motors as a tool and die maker. A bit later he moved to Michigan Consolidated Gas until he retired as a pressure control specialist after 30 years of dedicated service.

New and exciting changes were in store for Isaac when he met the young woman who stole his heart. Her name was Marian Isenhoff, and they met at Whimpey’s Diner. After falling deeply in love, the couple eloped to Indiana where they married on December 31, 1949.

The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Canada and returned home where they settled into a place on Seward, NW. They later bought a home on Gold Avenue, SW. Together they welcomed five children: Connie, Susan, Cheryl, John, and Sally. As their children got older they moved to a home on Cummings, NW. Isaac built two different cottages on Lincoln Lake with his father and brother, which provided the backdrop for memorable summers filled with family, fishing, boating, and swimming.

A kindhearted and generous man, Isaac helped his parents with whatever they needed as they got older. He called them daily to check in, especially after his father died in his sixties. The care Isaac gave his parents was an inspiration to his own children.

Through the years Isaac’s life was enriched in many ways. He remained very close to his Army buddies and looked forward to attending the reunions. Isaac was an active member of VFW #830 and also of the Union ICU #132 at Mich Con and Woodview Christian Church. He loved heading out to the dollar store as he was always on the lookout for a bargain. Isaac did some drawing, built a wooden boat, and was amazed at the way technology changed through the years. He loved reading the daily newspaper and was a staunch democrat. When relaxing Isaac enjoyed shows like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, The Price is Right, and All in the Family. Together he and Marian were very social, often getting together with friends to play cards.

Later in life Isaac continued to embrace the days he was given. He loved being with his grandchildren and looked forward to their visits. After he retired in 1985, Isaac and Marian bought a motorhome and traveled to visit their children and Marian’s out of state relatives. Although he struggled with heart arrhythmia for many years, it never really affected him much. In 2010 a car accident left Isaac with several broken bones in addition to hip problems and arthritis. As health necessitated, he and Marian slowed down and moved to Villa Apartments for a time and later Emerald Meadows Assisted Living. Isaac was a gentle and nurturing caregiver to his wife during her time of need. After developing an infection in his leg that eventually led to septicemia, he was unable to recover.

An honest, caring, and helpful man, Isaac Sproat was a blessing in the lives of so many others. He loved gadgets, tinkering with things, and his wife’s cooking, but nothing was of greater significance to him than his family. Isaac was dependable and a man of his word who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished.

Isaac J. Sproat, aged 89 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, November 27, 2012. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Connie Butler. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marian Sproat (Isenhoff); his children, Susan (Bruce) Foerch, Cheryl (James) Kloet, John (Tammy) Sproat, Sally (Jeff) Sproat-Theuer; 23 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Chris Isenhoff, who helped the family in many ways; many nieces, nephews and friends. Isaac honorably served is country in the US Army during World War II. He was a member of the VFW Old Kent Post 230. He retired from Mich Con after 30 years of service and was a member of Woodview Christian Church. A service to celebrate Isaac’s life will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Rev. John Stradtner officiating. Burial in Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, and on Friday from 9:00 AM until the service begins. Contributions to Paws with a Cause or the Humane Society of West Michigan. To read more about Isaac’s life, to leave your own memory of him and to sign his guest book, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com