Gabriele Sprague passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026 in the care of Bickford Assisted Living Facility in Aurora, IL. Gabriele, known as "Gaby", to friends and family, was born to Max and Cacilia Brosius on June 29, 1936, in Berlin, Germany. She met and fell in love with John Sprague while he was serving in the US Army. On August 13, 1956, they were married in Cologne, Germany.

She is survived by her children Harriet (Randal) Barton; Peter Sprague; and her sister, Ursula (Jack) Beuschel of Oldsmar, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents Max and Cacilia Brosius and her husband John Sprague, originally from North East, Pennsylvania.

Growing up, Gabriele excelled at field hockey and tennis. She spoke German and French at home as her mother was fluent in both. She had a love of European history and travel. During her teenage years, she would go on cycling trips with friends, staying in youth hostels. Later, she had the opportunity to travel to Lebanon, Spain, Italy and other countries in northern Europe. John's military career would take the family to England.

While raising two children was satisfying for her, Gabriele enjoyed working outside the home. One such job was working at the Ehrling-Berquist Clinic at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska as a dental assistant. When John transferred to the Savanna Army Depot to work as an engineer, and the family moved to Mt. Carroll, Illinois, Gabriele accepted the position as Deputy County Clerk for Carroll County under Deloris M. Goodrow. In later years, she took a position in David Purlee's dental office, also in Mt. Carroll.

In 1975, she joined a nonprofit women's organization whose goal is supporting women in pursuit of educational goals. In that organization, Gabriele held several offices and the P.E.O. sisterhood last year recognized her for her 50 years as a member at their Illinois state convention.

In their retirement years, John and Gabriele purchased a summer cottage on 28 Freeport Road, North East, Pennsylvania. There, they both spent many happy days reimagining and renovating the cottage into a comfortable year-round property. They were blessed with many friends and had an active social life.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10:30 AM at North East Cemetery, 2615 Cemetery Road, North East, Pennsylvania, 16428. A Luncheon will follow services.

Gabriele will always be remembered for her sense of fun, her laugh, and her love of a good story. Her family and friends miss her dearly.

Arrangements are under the personal care and attention of DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543. For information: 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com