Leonard Marshall Spraker

Leonard Marshall Spraker, 88, passed away December 14, 2018 at his home in Blackfoot, Idaho.

Leonard was born November 15, 1930, in Blackfoot, Idaho to Everett Marshall Spraker and Ethel Elvera “Vera” Blood Spraker. He was the youngest of three children.

When Leonard was a small child the family moved to Arco, Idaho. He started milking cows and working on the farm at a very young age. Having grown up during the Great Depression he learned the value of hard work and it became a second nature throughout his life. He graduated from Arco High School in 1948. Shortly, thereafter he started working at what is now the INL. Rather than being drafted he joined the United States Air Force in 1950. He served in the Korean War as an airplane mechanic for four years. Upon which he returned to the family farm in Arco.

Leonard and his best friend, Don Aikele, also of Arco, said they would not get married unless they married twins. They were set up by a mutual friend with the Reid twins of Firth, Idaho. He married Katherine Reid of Firth on April 11, 1958. He bought a farm in Arco and farmed, milked cows, and worked once again at the INL. First as a surveyor and then as a nuclear reactor operator. In May of 1968 the family moved to Blackfoot.

Upon retiring in 1994 he successfully went into the horse business for a number of years. Buying and selling horses, horse equipment, and breeding stud horses.

Leonard enjoyed farming, buying and selling, visiting with family and friends, and playing Pinochle. He could fix or build just about anything and always did an exceptional job.

He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his family.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Katherine Spraker, and his five children. Steven Spraker of West Valley City, Utah, Julie (Nolin) Crook of Brigham City, Utah, Lisa Spraker of Rigby, Idaho, Linda (Mike) Park of Taylorsville, Utah, and Philip (Andrea) Spraker of Blackfoot, Idaho and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Audrey Dot Jones and Robert Lee Spraker.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 21, 2018 at the Goshen Cemetery with military rites by David B. Bleak Post 93 and the U.S. Air Force. The family will meet with friends Friday from 10:00 till 10:30 A.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley.