Steven Sprague

Steve Sprague of Marion, Iowa, died on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was 76 years old. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time.

Steve was born in Algona, Iowa, to Frances Clayberg Sprague and Walter L. Friesner, and Earl Clifton Sprague. He lived in Algona before moving to Ames, Iowa, and later to Sioux City. He graduated from Sioux City East High School in 1968 and from Iowa State University in 1972. While at East High, he played in the band and served as drum major. At Iowa State, he was a member of the Iowa State Marching Band for four years. He was also involved in the formation of the ISU Alumni Band and served as its first president.

During high school, Steve partnered with his father and brother at Friesner Landscape Nursery. He later moved to Cedar Rapids and worked for Kirkwood Community College for 33 years, holding thirteen different positions. He was heavily involved in preparations for Kodak (Genencor) and the Cedar River Paper Company.

Steve staffed Kirkwood’s Quality Center, where he taught quality management to area businesses. His final role at Kirkwood was Director of the Small Business Development Center, where he counseled more than 1,000 businesses. He worked with three firms that went on to be listed among Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing businesses.

He served as president of the Cedar Rapids West Rotary Club and several other civic organizations. He chaired the first Cedar Lake Park Committee, as well as the Iowa Capitol Battle Flags Study Committee and Commission. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Sons of the Union Veterans.

On October 26, 2002, Steve was united in marriage to Susan Herrold Sprague at the State Capitol building. They were married for 23 years and shared a love of music and history. Together, they founded the Liberty Band of Iowa (LBI), which performed Civil War–era music on original antique instruments. The band performed for four years. Steve also created a four-foot by twenty-two-foot band wagon that carried fourteen band members.

When he was diagnosed with two cancers in one week, Steve survived both with the help of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He was a creative leader who did not run from an impossible problem. He wishes you all a joyous future.

In addition to his wife, Sue Sprague, Steve is survived by two sisters, Sue and Margaret; nine nieces and nephews; cousins; and other relatives.

Memorials in Steve’s memory may be directed to Sue Sprague.