Karla Huitsing Sprague Obituary

Karla Lynn Huitsing Sprague, age 63, of Grandville, having fought the good fight and kept the faith, crossed the finish line July 2, 2025. Her thirst for adventure, a good business deal, and loving others, framed a life well-lived. Tenacity and perseverance clothed in joy, modeled her high-bar standard of living. Her commitment to loving others selflessly joined hand-in-hand with genuine humility, always challenged herself and others to grow beyond one's imagined potential.
Karla never encountered a speed limit she couldn't break, a party she couldn't create, or an adventure she couldn't resist. Her sassy white-rimmed glasses framed her eyes that sparkled with joy and frequent mischievousness, yet always gazed deeper into the heart of those she encountered. She excelled at golf, fishing in fashion, soaking up the beauty of beaches and sunsets, and firing up her WaveRunner for a day on the water. She treasured weekends at her cottage, extensive travel and good food. Her treasured and longstanding relationships were always at the center of what brought her joy.
Karla's influence ran deep in the community following a 40 year impact in real estate as an agent, broker, and owner of Keller Williams Rivertown, which blossomed into two more offices in Holland and Ionia. Real estate established a platform for her to serve others navigating big home-buying decisions. Her longstanding experience coupled with integrity and compassionate counsel formed a winning combination. With each closing, her clients often felt like family as lifelong friendships were birthed.
As broker and owner, Karla's priority was for her agents to thrive, encouraging them to new heights both personally and professionally. Her example set the pace. With the nomination of her peers, Karla served as Director of Grand Rapids Association of Realtors from 2011-2013 and accepted the role as President in 2014. She went on to serve with the finance committee for the Michigan Association of Realtors from 2014-2016. Finding yet another mountain to climb, Karla then completed rigorous training to serve as a John Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach.
In all these things, she believed she could, and she did.
At the core of Karla's being was a deep love for Jesus Christ. That love permeated every area of her life and anchored her soul. As a result, her interactions with others often led them to a resting place at His feet together in prayer. Her achievements in life flowed from one purpose, to reflect Him and love well.
Mission accomplished, Karla.
She is preceded in death by her late husband, Edward George Huitsing, (who was never, ever late incidentally ) mother-in-law Grace Huitsing, niece Allison Nicole Jarratt, sister-in-law Kimberley Spaak and the courageous soul sisters of the "Victory is Ours" support group, Nancy Bishop and Sandy Lawless.
Her life and memory will be cherished by her parents James and Alene Spaak, loving husband Billy Sprague and his children Willow, Wyatt, and Sawyer; siblings Kimberly (Jarratt) Wheeler and husband Phil; Jim Spaak and wife Rebecca; Mark Spaak and wife Somer; her forever family Gerrit Huitsing and wife Glady; Pete Huitsing and wife Sylvia; John Huitsing and wife Tami, Gary Huitsing and wife Sharon; her beautiful nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, her honorary daughter of the heart, Carlota Arroyo and husband Angel, the "Mag 8", and a rich community of friends, business associates and clients. May her memory spur us on to greater things.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. hosted by Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, MI, 49426, with a light reception to follow. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at Fair Haven Church.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to join Karla's 35 year investment in the vision of Global Outreach Ministries, by making contributions at www.ourglobaloutreach.org or via mail at P.O. Box 835, Grandville, MI, 49468.
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