"Karen and family of Joe Sponn, My sincere Sympathy and Prayers to all of you at this time of Joe's death. May God grant you Peace and Comfort at this time of your loss. You all have always been so kind to me. Sorry I can't be with you today at the funeral. Time and other commitments here don't allow me to be with you today. I will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless you all. Thanks, Father Will"
In loving memory of
Joseph Patrick Sponn
March 17, 1940 - September 24, 2023
Joseph Patrick Sponn, 83, passed away in the early morning hours of September 24, 2023. He was born in Washington on March 17, 1940, to Joseph Carl and Bernadine (Grannan) Sponn. On August 13, 1960, he married Karen (Neukam) Sponn and she survives.
A 1958 graduate of Washington Catholic High School, Joe worked as a farmhand for Ralph Keith until he was hired by Superior Steel Ball to be their third shift supervisor; he was the fifth employee they hired. In 1968, he was chosen to help start a new venture and become the superintendent of Lydal Magnetics, a position he held until his injury in 1972. He also ran K&K Trophies in Washington for a number of years.
A man of many interests, Joe started the first Archery Club in Washington in 1962. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Daviess County Right to Life, the Moose Lodge, and the Daviess County Historical Society. Joe was a devout member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church.
Those who mourn Joe's passing include his wife of sixty-three years, Karen Sponn; his children: Anna Lea (Scott) Smith of Montgomery; Alicia (David) Cash of Mooresville; and Joe Sponn of Washington. Joe was blessed with six grandchildren: Patrick (Mary) Smith; Sarah (Christopher) Shafer; Whitney (Mack) Lamonte; Shelby Cash; Michelle (Paul) Mosley; and Chad Cash, twelve great-grandchildren: Abigail; Connor; Gabriel; Avery; McKenzi; Caylyn; Madison; Koal; Jude; Fin; Jadyn; and Liam, and one great-great-grandson, Emery James. Joe leaves siblings: Elizabeth (husband Ed is deceased) Clements of Haubstadt; John (Joan) Sponn of Washington; Rick (Karen) Sponn of Washington; Mark Sponn of Loogootee, and special friend and cousin, Bill (wife Judy is deceased) Hirtzel of Peewee Valley, Kentucky.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Carl and Bernadine Sponn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Washington Catholic Education Endowment, INC. at PO Box 916, Washington, Indiana 47501, or to the St. John Cemetery at 315 NE 3rd Street, Washington, Indiana 47501.
Visitation for Joseph Patrick Sponn will be 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Joseph Patrick Sponn at 12:00 pm, Thursday, September 28, 2023, also at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Father Juan Ramirez will be the celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. John Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.edleemortuary.com
The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to have been entrusted with Joseph Sponn's arrangements.
Tributes
"Sponn family, Condolences for all of you. It was both an honor and a pleasure to know Joe. You're all in my thoughts and prayers."
"Rest in peace old friend. We go back to early grade school. St meinrad our freshman year of high school. Graduated together in 1958. 1960 he was best man at Rita and my wedding. God bless you and Karen."
"Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about Joe. He was a good guy and I know Doug thought very highly of him. You are in my thoughts and prayers "
"Dear Karen and family, so very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I came to know both of you better when bringing Communion to your house. I enjoyed our visits very much. Your life together was a true testament to the love you had for each other. May God bring you peace and comfort. May Joe rest in peace. "
"I grew up next to Joe back in the '70s and spent many many hours in the garage with him working on anything mechanical learning from him, going groundhog hunting with him, and motocross races. He was a very special person to me and taught me so many things and I will never forget those wonderful times. He was a very special person."
"I used Joe as my trophy engraver up until he quit due to medical reasons. I usually spent 30- 40 minutes chatting with him every time I went. He shared histories about the area. We always had great chats. He is one of a kind and I?ll miss him!"