Duane Sprunger

Duane M. Sprunger, 74, of Berne was welcomed into his eternal home by his Lord and Savior Friday, March 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 1, 1949, to Marvin and Margaret “Pill” (Parr) Sprunger.
He grew up in and around the Berne area and was a part of the inaugural class of South Adams High School in 1967. He was blessed with a golden tenor voice and pursued his love of music and ministry at the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music, now Cornerstone University, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During his time there, he toured with the music group the Choralaires and made many lifelong friends and had many wonderful memories and stories to share of his time at GRSBM.
He married the love of his life, June M. (Sprunger) Sprunger, on June 14, 1968. Together, they served as leaders of the youth group at Grace Bible Church, where they have been faithful members. He continued to use his talents to serve Grace Bible as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, music leader and soloist. He was most passionate that people know the love of Christ and accept Him as a personal Savior.
He loved driving truck and was a faithful employee of Teeple Truck Lines for many years.
In his 74 years on this earth, he was always social, eager to make a friend with a ready smile, a twinkle in his blue eyes, and a teasing comment that let you know that he cared. He was an avid University of Michigan fan. He will be remembered as a loving husband and an affectionate and doting father and grandfather. His warm hugs and funny little sayings will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, June Sprunger of Berne; his two loving daughters, Shannon (James) Gause; and Rochelle (Eric) Criss, both of Warsaw; five grandchildren, Graham Criss; Sydney Gause; Travis Gause; Grant Criss; and Ainsley Criss, all of Warsaw; one sister, Nancy (Stan) Van Emon of Berne; brother, Randy (Vicki) Sprunger of Berne; and many loving brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest daughter, Jodi Sprunger; nephew, Jeffrey Sprunger; and brother-in-law, J. Steven Sprunger.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 27 from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne and Thursday, March 28 for one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral service at Grace Bible Church in Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Jeff Gaskill. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery in Berne.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guest book, visit www.zwickjahn.com.