Stanley E. Sprigle D-Day Vet

LANCASTER- Stanley "Stan" E. Sprigle entered into eternal peace at Landis Homes on Saturday February 19, 2011 with his daughter, Jane and son-in-law, Don, by his side. Stand was the husband of Elizabeth Louise Miller who died on March 26, 1954 and Jeannine Ruth Brickner who died on July 20, 2003. Born in Gettysburg on March 23, 1921, he was the son of the late Melvin E. and Edna M. (Walker) Sprigle. In 1934, the family moved from Gettysburg to York. Stan will be forever loved and deeply missed by his daughter, Jane Louise, wife of Donald Thren. He will be especially missed by his granddaughter, Emily Elizabeth. In addition, he is survived by a brother-in-law, George Sechrist of Hamilton, Mt; two nieces; four nephews; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Elwood M. and Robert M; and two sisters, Romaine A. and Sara Belle (Dolly). Stan was a 1940 graduate of William Penn Senior High. He participated in varsity sports and played trumpet and baritone in the same band his brother would later direct. He enlisted in the army in Pikesville, Md., July 1942. He departed for England January, 1943 to receive training for the invasion of Europe. Stan was a WWII June 6, D-Day Veteran of the 29th infantry division 115th and 116th combat teams. He served in the Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe and Rhineland Campaigns. His service awards include; 5 Bronze Stars, a Bronze Arrowhead for the Omaha Beach Landing and a Silver Service Star. He was awarded a Commendation Medal, German Occupational Medal with Sheath, the Victory Medal, 2 citations for Valor, and a Good Conduct Medal. He was also awarded the prestigious Saint Barbara Medal from Fort Sill Oklahoma. His battalion award wads the French Croix De Guere with Palm from the government of France for the D-Day Omaha Beeach and Normandy Campaigns. His 29th Division was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. His foreign service in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany extended over a 3 year period. Stan was employed by Maple Press Co. (now Bi-Comp) as an ITU printer and editor, retiring in 1983. He was a confirmed member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church where he was active in the basketball and softball leagues as well as a member of the church orchestra. In later years he was a faithful volunteer at the York Hospital with over 3000 hours of service. He was a member of Shiloh American Legion Post #791, International Typographical Union and an active member of the 29th Division Association of Pikesville, Md. Stan will be remembered as a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed traveling, the highlight of which was his return to Normandy in 1994 for the 50th Anniversary Celebration. He also thoroughly enjoyed revisiting his birthplace in Gettysburg. He loved bowling and attending many, many local sporting events. He enjoyed feeding chipmunks, squirrels and birds in his well manicured yard. As a grandfather, he dearly loved his granddaughter, Emily, and was tickled she shared his love of music. Stans family would like to thank the staff of Oregon House, Landis Homes, Lititz for their loving, kind and compassionate care given to Stan during his time there. A celebration of life service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York with his Pastors, the Reverend Kevin T. Shively officiating and Pastor Diane Wenthe assisting. A visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.Burial will be held at Mt. Rose Cemetery with full military honors provided by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church Building Fund, 839 W. Market St., York, PA17401, Hospice of Lancaster County, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or a charity of your choice.