Sprunger, Arthur L. (1897-1972)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Nov 2 p. 14

Birth date: 1897

text of obituary:

At Goshen, Ind.

Well-Known Artist Dies

Goshen, Ind. — Funeral services for Arthur L. Sprunger, 75, well-known Goshen artist, were conducted at the Eighth Street Mennonite Church here Friday afternoon, Oct. 27. Rev. Paul Goering, the pastor, officiated.

Mr. Sprunger, who had not been ill, suffered an apparent heart attack at his home Monday evening, Oct. 23, and died shortly after being admitted to the hospital.

A native of Berne, Ind., Mr. Sprunger had been a resident here since 1918. He joined the Goshen school system in 1922 and taught art in the junior and senior high schools for 41 years. During this time he also taught part time at Goshen College for 30 years. His art works in various media have won numerous awards, and many are found in Goshen homes, churches and public buildings.

Mr. Sprunger contributed much to the life of the Eighth Street congregation, and was active in civic affairs. He had been a member of the board of the Goshen Public Library since 1963 and was president during construction of the new library.

A graduate of Goshen College, Mr. Sprunger took graduate work at the Chicago Art Institute, the John Herron Art Institute, Winona Lake, and received the master's degree from Columbia University in 1953.

Survivors include his widow, the former Cordelia Riesen; one daughter, Mrs. John (Rebecca) Wetzel of Urbana, Ill.; three sisters, Mrs. William Norr, Mrs. A. Faye Grassmyer, and Mrs. Menno Eicher, all of Berne; and a foster sister, Mrs. Tilman Nussbaum of Poneto.