Frances Alice Sprenke (nee Burden)

October 3, 1940 – September 23, 2025

Longtime wife of the late Robert J. (Bob) Sprenke; beloved mother of Robyn (Donald) ; cherished grandmother of Donnie (Annie); Bobby (Kristen); Zachary (Jessi); and Lauren (Cody); dear great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many.

Fran was born on October 3, 1940, to the late John Albert Wade Burden and Ruby Stickhost. She was a natural-born fighter and eternal caregiver. Born months premature and weighing only 3 pounds, she persevered. She would tragically lose her father at the young age of 6 years old. Fran would grow up on Juniata Street in South St. Louis, where she would develop her lifelong love for the Missouri Botanical Garden and The Muny.

She would meet her only love, Bob, in her teenage years. Though Fran was extremely fond of children, she and Bob were only able to conceive one daughter, Robyn. The small family would move to Affton, Missouri, in the late 1970s, where they continued to raise Robyn and care for Fran’s ailing mother, Ruby. Following Ruby’s passing, Fran would spend many of her best years caring for scores of children in her licensed daycare, which was unusual for the time; she ran it out of their home.

When Bob developed throat cancer in the late 1990s, Fran transitioned to caring for him. After Bob’s passing in 2001, Fran rallied to care for another generation -her great-grandchildren. Fran remained fiercely independent well into her 70s. As she entered her 80s, it was now time for Fran to need care. Pulmonary fibrosis was taking hold, robbing her of her spunk and constant energy. Through all the supplemental oxygen and many hospital stays, Fran rarely complained. She loved nothing more than a clean house, a good dessert, and a child to dote on. Though Fran lived a long, fulfilling life, there will forever be a hole in our hearts for our dear mom, Gma, and GG.