Dr. Joanne Sprenger, 83 passed away surrounded by family, on December 27, 2022, from the effects of age and dementia.  She was the daughter of Marie Mink and Vernon Govier.  She grew up in the farming community of Lancaster Wisconsin.  Joanne is survived her husband, Dr. George Sprenger, her daughter Debra Gage and three grandchildren, Jaylee Gage, Bodi Gage and Jacob Barnhill, sister Beverly Raisbeck (Doug),  brothers James Govier (Peggy), Gordon Govier (Anne), Keith Govier (Georgia), Galen Govier, Richard Govier (Sue), William Govier (Lisa).

Joanne was a Physical Education teacher and Athletic Coach her 41-year professional career.  She obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville, a master's degree from the University of North Dakota, and her doctorate degree from Washington State University.  She taught several years at various Wisconsin high schools.  Her university teaching includes Winona State University, Washington State University, Southwestern University and New Mexico Highlands University.  Joanne's coaching includes women's softball, women's swimming and diving and experiential activities.  Joanne was active in Academic Affairs and the Faculty Senate at the New Mexico Highlands University.

Joanne's passions were to do and experience many things.  She liked traveling and exploring places.  Her many activities include spelunking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, downhill & cross-country skiing, camping and MORE.  She was a leader of several backpacking trips into the Pecos Wilderness Area and the Cruces Basin Wilderness area.  She authored two editions of the "Trail Guide to Las Vegas Area".

Joanne was involved with many community activities.  She served on many boards and councils and has won local, state, and national awards for her services.  She was proud to be a founding member of the San Miguel Search and Rescue team.  She was the field coordinator for the rescue for many stranded hikers, hunters, and cross-country skiers.  She wrote grants to purchase radio equipment for the SMSAR team.  She was a 13-year member of the Sapello, Rociada & San Ignacio Volunteer Fire Company.  She fought on many structure and wildfire incidents.  She drove engines for mutual aid situations.  Joanne was the regional president of the Rio Grande Sierra Club and was the editor of their newsletter for several years.  She served on the New Mexico Senior Olympics Board for about 10 years.  Joanne was one of the founding workers of the Las Vegas Community Soup Kitchen.  Joanne especially cherished the "Back to the Well" award from the Methodist Church.

A celebration of Joanne's life will be held on January 21, 2023, at 11:00 am, at the Las Vegas Methodist Church, 8 ^th Street and National Ave.  A private internment will be held at a later date.