Monica Lynn Fichtel's Obituary
With the purest love of Jesus still in her heart, Monica Lynn Fichtel, age 62, passed away Monday, January 9, 2023, in the company of those who loved her most. Monica was born January 3, 1961, in Muskegon, Michigan to Darryl and Bonnie (Decent) Sprague. “Mock”, who was seventh of 10 children, graduated Reeths-Puffer High School in 1980. She was a certified welder. She held many occupations in Grand Rapids and the lakeshore, shop jobs, catering and food service, office cleaning, and retail. On November 9, 2001, Monica married the love of her life, Jim Fichtel, in Grand Haven, Michigan. With Jim, she shared 21 years of tremendous love. Starting life together in Grand Rapids, they enjoyed seeing bands, baseball, arena football, and hockey games. They spent many weekends on blind road trips, playing cards or cooking out with friends. Her daughter Bonnie was loved, and often there for weekend visits with friends. They enjoyed having the run of the house and hot tub. Open door policy was shown to all family and friends, no matter where she lived. She loved her family. Being closer, spending time, sharing memories with them was important, always visiting. In 2007 they moved to the lakeshore. A lifetime auto racing fan, Monica was especially proud to see her brothers and nephews on any dirt track. Her husband’s family and friends quickly became her own. She loved traveling around the country to see them at every chance, especially Christmas - distance was never a deterrent. They loved visiting her. She gained dozens of cousins. Monica always joked about becoming a world traveler. Though Monica loved fishing, she only liked fresh tuna and dolphin right out of the (Hatteras) ocean and off the grill when she was there. She loved Lake Michigan, laying on any beach (under the sheets), and the lighthouses. She spent many summers picking fruit, camping, dunes and boating at Silver Lake, sometimes with her in-laws and cat, Weezer. Monarch butterflies, peacocks, all birds, most animals, old movies, hallmark, casino gambling, Las Vegas, anything purple or pink, antiquing, crafts, craft shows were her favorites. Monica was the best cook ever and she loved to bake. She was quick to help anyone in need. Monica was a music lover of the 50’s, old country, all rock and roll, and enjoyed concerts by all. She loved to sing to herself when she was happy. Her grandchildren, Xander and Elizabeth, she loved so much – just couldn’t get enough of them. She never missed a St. Louis Blues hockey game on tv with her husband. Jim was so proud of his wife. Just being home or swimming in the pool together brought their greatest joy. They had each other. Monica was a happy spirit and made friends wherever she went. Many friends became family. Her beautiful smile, and contagious laugh we’ll always remember. The stories, jokes she pulled, and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her. Never a dull moment, Monica, we LOVE you! She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Jim; daughter, Bonnie Marie Fox; father, Darryl Sprague; 2 grandchildren, Xander Fox and Elizabeth Fox; her siblings, Dave Sprague, Tom (Dawn) Sprague, Linda Ward, Mary (Rick) Steinman, Darryl Sprague, Todd (Pam) Sprague, Tammy Smith, Matt (Michelle) Sprague, Michelle Nedervelt; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews (grand & great); mother in-law, Phyllis Fichtel, Springfield, Illinois; brother-in-law, Wayne Fichtel Jr (Cathy), Asheville, NC, along with their family. Besides her grandparents, Monica was preceded in death by her mother Bonnie Sprague; her niece Kylie Lynn VanEtten; her uncles, Duane Sprague, Richard Carlson, Bud Murphy; cousin, Ron White and father-in-law, Wayne Fichtel Sr. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 29, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will follow the service in The Lee Family Center. Later that evening, friends and family are invited to Jim and Monica's home where the celebration will continue. For those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Salvation Army of Muskegon or the Muskegon Rescue Mission. The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Fichtel family; to share a special memory of Monica or read the full obituary, please visit www.sytsemafh.com
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