David Kenneth Sproule, 79, of Galena, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026. A funeral mass will be held at 1 PM, Monday, February 16, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Galena. Friends may gather after 11:30 AM until Mass begins. Burial will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. He was born on September 12, 1946, in Galena, the son of Kenneth and Vesta LaRue (Bonadurer) Sproule. David attended St. Michael’s Grade School in Galena and graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, IA. He was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge after two years of service. Upon returning from service, David continued his studies at Chiropractic College in Kansas City, MO. He enjoyed traveling, long rides in the tri-state area, collecting antiques and art, spending long days on the river with family and friends at Schubert-Sproule Camp at the Ferry Landing on the Mississippi River, and having a nip or two. David was not shy about letting you know how proud he was of his Irish heritage and of his ancestors settling in Galena in 1837. He was proud to be part of a large Irish Catholic family and loved his family. Known to be a bit of a “storyteller”, David wrote and published two books, both depicting days of growing up as a youngster in Galena. “Why My Momma’s Hair Turned Gray” & “Rogues, Rascals & Renegades.” He was self-employed as a stone mason his entire life, with many projects in and around the Galena area. This craft allowed him to demonstrate his artistic ability through fine craftsmanship. He is survived by his loving companion of many years, Marjie Dugan, his siblings, Diane Przybylski, JoAnn (Butch) Nelson, Daniel R. Sproule, Jeanie (Ron) Norman, BeAnn (Dale) Diskin, Patty Sproule, and Michael (Laurie) Sproule. The name David, in Hebrew, means “beloved” and “uncle.” It is fitting that he is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, even after enduring years of teasing when they were little. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sylvia Ann Moes, two brothers-in-law, Dave Przybylski and Joseph Moes. Memorials may be made to the David K. Sproule Memorial. The family wishes to extend special thanks to all local law enforcement, EMS, and Midwest Medical for their assistance during this difficult time.
David K. Sproule
Thoughts and prayers to the Sproule Family. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Went to school with Dave and maintained a friendship throughout the years, from the Hulscher Hideaway at Camp Vern to the Fairy Landing, telling tales with a beer or two and me saying Dave you are soo full of it, makes me chuckle at the memories. To say I am soo very sorry doesn’
t come close to my heartfelt feelings…Please know your family is abundantly in my prayers……..May Daves Soul Soar High
“When we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they leave behind”. David, my dear uncle, your love will always be with us.
Carrie & Family
My sympathies to Jeanie and all her family.
A diamond in the rough, a great and dear friend . A man of unwavering loyalty, if he liked you …. If not, he would let you know !!
He loved the river and the land; especially Thai-land and Ire -land. He was quick-witted and loved to hear and share a good joke but don’t mess with his hat ( right Jack😉)
A story-teller for sure and delighted in explaining to one and all he was the Knight-Mayor of Galena as he came on duty after 6pm!
He was a master stone-mason and took great pride in researching ( in Ireland) and finally erecting the ‘Dolmen’ that stands proudly overlooking the entrance to the ‘Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel’ right here in his native and beloved Galena.
You will be sorely missed Dave by all your friends but especially by myself, Tony and my son Patrick. If those elephants could talk 😊😊😊
Forever your friends; Basil , Gavin, Jack, Tony, the Marjories….. the list is long. Eireánn go Bréa
He was one in a million, and will be missed. Praying.
We are so very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. We thoroughly enjoyed his stories and hearing all about this wonderful city he grew up in. Our condolences to his family and good friends.
The Ciangi Family
We met Dave and Margie long before we retired and made Galena our home. Margie shared her beautiful home for guests like us who fell in love with this special town. Dave shared bar stools with us at Bubba’s where we sat for hours listening to his stories, history, and joking. He was so very proud to be an Irish Galena “Character” and made us believers that if you ever wanted to be a “character” here, “you’d better bring your A Game”. We share the sadness of his family, and will truly miss our frequent “run-ins” out and about town where he always shared a story and made us so proud to be considered friends. He was truly one of a kind—a real character in the best sense of the word. He had a way of bringing energy, humor, and authenticity into any room, and you always knew exactly where you stood with him. That kind of presence is rare. As a proud native of Galena, Dave carried his roots with him. He loved his hometown, its stories, and its people, and that pride showed in the way he lived—grounded, genuine, and full of heart. He wasn’t just from Galena; he was part of what makes it special.
We are so very sad to hear about the passing of Dave. We thoroughly enjoyed his stories and hearing about the history of Galena, the city he loved. Rest in Peace.
Our condolences to his family and friends.
The Ciangi family
Mike and Laurie Sproul told Jim and I many stories about David. It was so easy to recognize their love for him and all his talents. When we visited Mike and Laurie a few years ago we went to see David’s home on the river. A very intelligent, interesting and good guy. You will be missed and we pray that you are in peace. Deepest sympathy to the entire family. May your happy and many memories sustain you at
this difficult time.
Thank you for the beautiful note 💙🙏
Dave was such a character, he will be missed…
“HEY LOGIE”
That greeting from my friend Dave would ring out, bouncing off the old.buildings and begin our conversation about Galena and the people of my adopted hometown. To me Dave was Galena, rough and tumble yet warm and caring at the same.time. His character as Galena will live on. I will miss the “HEY LOGIE” and the chance once again to remove his hat..
We are so sorry. We are praying for you all!
i worked for him several years ago and couldnt ask for a nicer boss and aquaintance . i couldnt believe how he could handle the big limestone rocks and how he knew where to put them. i also went to his house for lunch alot of times . he enjoyed living outside of galena and he bought several acres of land so he wouldnt be surrounded by neighbors and eventually moved as far as i knew so it wouldnt happen again. after i moved on to dubuque i would see him from time to time at the piggly wiggly and still enjoyed talking to him for several minutes. he truly enjoyed galena and the surroundings and the people and the serenity of it all and i do too. Iwill miss seeing him and wish his girlfriend ,companion peace and his family as well.
I will miss swapping stories with Dave at his camp on the river
Thank you all for your kind words of our brother,David. We will truly miss him. 🤍🕊️
Sorry for ur loss
MY irish cowboy brotherGod bless you bro, you walked to a beat of a different drum, and in your heart you loved everyone. Your stories were greatand your wit so funny and full of blarney.Adrink in one hand and a pen in the other writing a book, singing irish ditties to MOTHER. YOU left your mark on earth good few bad . Ill always love you my brother, my dear irish lad. rip love jOANN
Our deepest condolences.