James J. J. Sprecher, M.D., 93, of La Porte IN passed away on April 8th, 2023 due to heart failure and old age. Jay was born on October 18, 1929 to Lawrence and Ella Sprecher in Blackhawk, WI. Jay graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1947, and the University of Wisconsin in 1951. He then spent the following five years serving his country in the U. S. Army. After discharge, he received his Medical Degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1961. He completed a one year internship at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN, and then established a family practice in La Porte, IN in 1962. In 1969 Jay and four other physicians started the first multispecialty practice in La Porte, the La Porte Clinic. It is now part of Beacon Medical Group of South Bend, at the same location in La Porte. He retired in 1995 to pursue interests of golf, world travel, and wintering in Hawaii.

 

He was married to Elise Olson in 1954. He subsequently married Betty Kneller in 1974, having celebrated 48 years of marriage last August. He is survived by their 5 children, Gail McAuliffe (the late Robert) of Flintstone, GA; Dr. Larsen Kneller (Jaunda) of La Porte; Dr. Larry Sprecher (Melodie) of Eau Claire, WI; Douglas Kneller (Mindy) of Deland, FL; and Phil Sprecher (Kim) of Noblesville, IN. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Laurel Monroe (Jack) of Milwaukee, WI.

 

There will be no services or visitation at this time. There will be a private family service in the future. Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to Fried’s Cat Shelter in Michigan City, IN.

 

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Jay’s life or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit, esslingfuneralhome.com.