On July 13, 2023, Dorothy (Zagel) Sproul entered the rest given to her by the grace
of God. She was born December 17, 1932 to Rev. Herman and Irmgard Zagel, both
of whom came from families with a rich history of providing the church with
faithful pastors, teachers, musicians, and parish workers. Her siblings are Marjorie
Murken (Robert), the late Bruce Zagel (Vernay), Carla Winter (Frank), and Joel
Zagel (Connie). Dorothy's professional life began upon her graduation from St.
John's College in Winfield, Kansas in 1952. She served her Savior Jesus as a parish
worker at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rego Park, Long Island,
NY from 1952-1954, and with Atonement Lutheran Church, Dearborn, MI as a
kindergarten teacher, church secretary, and organist. She is remembered for her
leadership and servanthood with Lutheran Braille Workers, POBLO, the LWML,
and a wide array of events and ministries. Dorothy married John ("Jack") Sproul at
Trinity Lutheran Church in Des Moines, IA, in 1954. Jack, who also served at
Atonement, preceded Dorothy in death in 1984. Her children Carla Hudgens, John
Sproul (Linda), David Sproul (Dawn), and Jill Merlo will remember her as a mother
who guided them in the faith and nurtured them during times of both challenge and
celebration. She cherished her grandchildren Kristen McKenzie (Jason), William
Hudgens (Jorden), Jack Merlo (Mariah), Daniel Rein (Hannah), Alison Rein, Katie
Dissmore (Roger), Jetta Smithwick (Zach), and great-grandson Henry McKenzie.
A visitation will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church, 6961 Mead St, Dearborn,
MI, on Monday, July 24, at 10:00 am, followed by worship at 11:00 am. Guests are
welcome to join the family for lunch after the service; a private interment for family
will occur afterward at Cadillac Memorial Garden West cemetery. Memorial gifts
may be given to Atonement Lutheran Church.