Derrick Sprague

He was preceded in death by his Aunt Deanne Widmark, Cousin Sarai Johnson, Grandma Doris Goebel and his Grandpa Herb Sprague. (We have already envisioned the heavenly games of poker that Derrick, along with Grandpa Herb and Herb’s brothers, have been enjoying.)

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Derrick is survived by his daughter, Brooke and son, Lucas, Polk City, IA; his former wife, Traci, Polk City, IA; his brother, Darren and sister-in-law, Kari, along with nephews, Ian, Tyler and Ryan of Grand Rapids, MN; his parents, Deb and Dan of Frazee, MN; his grandmother, Marlys of Fargo, ND; along with many special aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Derrick grew up in Laramie, Wyoming until the age of 5 and then moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota where he remained until graduating from Detroit Lakes High School in 1997. He attended North Dakota State University and obtained a BS degree in Construction Management in 2003. He met wife, Traci, while attending NDSU and they were married on April 26, 2003. They moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he worked as a project manager until relocating to Polk City, Iowa in 2015 where he continued his career in various project management positions.

Derrick had a great love of dogs from childhood through adulthood, at times owning up to three dogs at a time. There was Dixie, Rufus, Fleury, JD, Gunner I, Gunner II, Morgan, Mack and lastly, OD.

Card playing was a constant activity with friends and family throughout Derrick’s life, whether it be Hand and Foot, Shanghai Rummy, Five Crowns, Cribbage or Go Fish, not to mention playing Poker with his Grandpa or on fishing trips with his Dad. He was always ready for participating or if necessary, learning the rules for a new game of someone’s choosing. Daughter Brooke inherited the love of card playing and cherishes the many card playing nights she spent with her dad, win or lose.

The school sports of hockey and tennis were important to Derrick, not only for the letters he received, but the experience of team camaraderie and a sheer love of just playing the game. Growing up, he enjoyed a pickup game of any sport type, wherever a group of kids could be found. Derrick also enjoyed golfing, and son Lucas liked to play golf with his dad, especially when he was able to hit the ball farther than him.

The Minnesota Vikings were cheered on by Derrick, but his all time favorite team was the NDSU Bison. He and his Dad were fortunate to have traveled to a Championship game in Frisco, Texas together in 2023.

Throughout his life Derrick enjoyed spending time outdoors with many adventures while camping, hunting and fishing, as well as hiking and backpacking. The most recent adventure he experienced was in February with his mom and dad, brother and family as well as his children, Brooke and Lucas They all traveled to Tulum, Mexico and experienced the beach life while staying at a house on the ocean and kayaking, snorkeling and swimming.

In good times, when Derrick was asked how he accomplished something or won something, his response was quick, though with a sly smile: “Because I’m awesome.” Although Derrick’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, may his memory be a blessing, and may you see yourself as awesome in all that you do.

The family is sincerely grateful for the assistance received from the Polk City Police Department on May 9th.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 West 1st Street, Ankeny, IA at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025 with visitation an hour before the service. Refreshments will follow.