Rev. Msgr. John W. Spreen

Rev. Msgr. John W. Spreen, 76, of St. Joseph’s Home in Springfield, died at 9:27 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. Msgr. Spreen was born July 23, 1927 in Jacksonville, IL, the son of Albert & Anna Hegarty Spreen. He was ordained a Priest on May 23, 1953 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield by Bishop William A. O’Connor and was bestowed the Papal Honor: Chaplain to His Holiness “Monsignor” February 19, 2002. He attended Our Saviour Grade School and Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville. His bachelor’s education was completed at Quincy College and Kendrick’s College. He earned a master’s degree from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundeline. He served the Catholic Diocese of Springfield, serving as Assistant at St. Matthew, Alton from 1953-1957; St. Peter, Quincy from 1957-1961; St. Boniface, Edwardsville from 1961-1965; St. Patrick, Springfield from 1965-1968. He served as pastor at St. Catherine, Virden from 1968-1975; St. Matthew, Alton from 1975-1979; Church of the Little Flower, Springfield from 1979-1991; St. Augustine, Ashland from 1991-2002. He served as Dean of the Jacksonville Deanery from 1996 – 2002. He had been active with ministries in the Springfield Diocese in CCD, director of the Office for CYO, DCCW moderator, Legion of Decency and Pro-Life. He was on the advisory board for Catholic Campaign for Human Development. In 1993, Rev. Msgr. Spreen was presented the Springfield Right To Life Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his efforts in support of Right to Life causes. He retired to St. Josephs Home in 2002 and served as resident Chaplain. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jane Steele. He is survived by a brother: A.J. (wife, Rosella) Spreen of Jacksonville, sisters: Virginia (husband-Joseph) Farran and Mary “Maymie” (husband-Joseph) Bergschneider, both of Jacksonville, and Shirley (husband, Miles) Bacon of Madison, IN; brother-in-law: Jim Steele of Jacksonville and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2004 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Drive, in Springfield. There will be a prayer service at 8:00 p.m. Additional visitation time will be held from 4 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2004 and also from 9 – 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2004 at Our Saviour Catholic Church, 453 E. State St. in Jacksonville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2004 at Our Saviour Catholic Church, Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Principal Celebrant and Priests of the Springfield Diocese as Concelebrants. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Jacksonville. Memorial Contributions may be made to Routt Catholic Education Foundation, 423 East College St., Jacksonville, IL 62650 or Springfield Right To Life, 316 E. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62701-1409. The family of Rev. Msgr. John W. Spreen is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.