Oscar Lee Spradley

Oscar Lee Spradley of Stillwater, MN, passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2026 at age 97. Born in 1928 in Evant, Texas, he was a devoted husband of 59 years to Geraldine Lessard Spradley and a dedicated and loving father to son Scott and daughter Anne.

He is survived by daughter Anne and dear friend Joan Nickleby, special Spradley nieces Sue Ashley and Kay Waldrop, best friend Tom Lessard, chosen family Dean Schue, three granddogs, and so many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, in laws, extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

He has reunited with those who passed before him including his wife of 59 years Geraldine Lessard Spradley and son John Scott Spradley, his parents Edwin and Genie (Weeks), sisters Pearl (Boykin), Mary Juanita (Brooks), Katie (Brown), Alyene (Boggs), and brothers Jasper Newton (J.N.) and Eddie Ray.

Dad left east Texas in 1948 to join the Air Force and served in a non-combat radar role during the Korean War. He was stationed in Osceola, Wi and met his future wife, Gerry, at a dance in Stillwater. After an Honorable discharge dad began his career in logistics, eventually working his way up at Cenex. Hard working and dedicated, he went out on his own and spent 50 years in the oil & gas business as the vice president of Marlin Petroleum, Chairman of the Board of World Fuel Services (World Kinect) and Contract Fuel Manager of AvFuel. He helped transform AvFuel Corp. from a regional fuel supplier to a leader in global aviation fuel and services. He managed to do this without computers, cell phones, or email! When Dad told you to fill up your gas tank because prices were changing, he wasn't messing around.

Despite his many responsibilities, Dad always made time for his family and friends. Dad loved his Spradley and Lessard family, as well as life-long friends - the Redpaths, Reis's, Larkin's, Lee's, McFarlane's & many more. He often reminisced about their golf outings, the Copy Cat's, the football parties, traveling together and the many get togethers.

He loved our cabin in Pine City and in his last days repeatedly asked to go there, although we had sold it years ago. He loved Mahtomedi and St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church where he had been a parishioner for 75 amazing years. He wouldn't admit it aloud, but he also loved all his granddogs.

A very special thank you to his care team with Lakeview Hospice, including but not limited to his nurses (aka: angels & friends) Amy, Sunny, and Toni, as well as Drs Melody & Ari, Natalie, Fernanda, Sarah, Colette, Melinda, Chris, Lennet, and Rev. Dr. Sherri. His wonderful quality of life and graceful & peaceful would not have been possible without all of you. He loved you all so much and deeply valued your friendships. Thank you.

Dad's wicked sense of humor, lightning-fast dead pan one-liners, and smile will be so deeply missed. He was my hero and best friend.

Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. I have kept on loving you with a kindness that never fails."

There will be a private internment. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 11:30am to 2:30pm at Twin Point Tavern in Lake Elmo, MN.

I can only "invite" FB friends, so feel free to friend me, and/or share the event with those you feel may like to attend. I know I am missing people due to FB restrictions on invites. https://www.facebook.com/share/1DVnXm6wwF/

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.