Joni Sprunger

In memory of my wife, Joni (Manning) Sprunger, 57, of Berne who passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at home. She was born on June 24, 1959 to William and Constance Manning. She was married on September 18, 1982 to Jeff Sprunger.

I saw Joni doing a pom-pom routine on the South Adams gym floor. I was a freshman at the time. She was a senior. I was standing near a group of seniors and said out loud, “I would like to date her”. They laughed and said “in your dreams”. Two years later, I slow danced with Joni at the Geneva Days Festival. Four months later, she invited me to a Statler Brothers concert. Two years later, this wonderful lady became my wife and blessed me with four children, Nikole (Jim) All; Mariah (Menno) Eicher; Samantha; and Chance. Some dreams do come true.

We operated Hanni Plumbing & Heating in Portland together. I stayed out of her office, and she stayed out of my truck. This arrangement worked well for 30 years. She helped build our home in the country. She loved to mow instead of shopping, so all I had to do was keep the blades sharp.

Joni will be joining her mother, Connie who passed in 2014.

Though Joni is no longer with me, I will still get to visit with my father-in-law, William Manning; her brother, Greg Manning; and her sister, Brenda (Rick) Shryock.

I will also be comforted during this time by my parents, Lee and Sue Sprunger; brother, Jay (Patti) Sprunger; and sisters, Joni (Tom) Cincotta; and Jesse (Roger) Miller.

Love you always,

Jeff

Visitation will be two hours prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, December 3 at Cross Community Church in Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Chris Kruchkow. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery in Berne.

Memorials may be made to Children’s Education Fund (payable to Cross Community Church).

Arrangements provided by Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home in Berne. Sign the guest book online at www.yagerkirchhofer.com.