Ernest Henry Sprenger

The Reverend Ernest (Ernie) Sprenger died at the age of 89 on Sunday, Sept. 29.

He was born on the family farm on April 7, 1924, to Christian and Martha Sprenger at Elgin, N.D. He was one of 14 children.

He graduated from high school as salutatorian of his class and attended Yankton College, School of Theology, Yale Divinity School and Hartford Seminary. He later completed graduate work at the Pacific School of Religion.

He married Elizabeth “Betty” Strobel on June 20, 1947, in Portland, Ore., and together they had four children, Elizabeth, Mark, Scott and Cindy. They served parishes in Selby,...