John “Scott” Spradley, age 71, of River Falls, died unexpectedly on October 4, 2024, at his residence due to a chronic heart condition. Scott was born on February 10, 1953, the son of Oscar and Geraldine (Lessard) Spradley. He was raised in Mahtomedi, where he attended St. Jude of the Lake parochial school before graduating from Mahtomedi High School in the class of 1971. Growing up on White Bear Lake, he spent countless hours on the water—water skiing, boating, and sailing. He always wore a big smile when reminiscing about those days.

Scott furthered his education at St. Leo University in Florida and later attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology. He began his career as a mud logger in Houston and Mississippi. Upon returning to Wisconsin, he was employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Following that position he worked for the River Falls school district as a maintenance engineer.

Scott spent the last 43 years with Joan Nickleby. They proudly made River Falls their home and created countless fond memories enjoying the great outdoors. They loved visiting the Boundary Waters to canoe, fish, and cozy up next to the campfire. Anyone who knew Scott admired his love for his dogs. He rarely went anywhere without his beloved Golden Retrievers.

Earlier in life, Scott enjoyed deer hunting with friends, relishing the camaraderie. He developed a passion for firearms and became a collector, holding a federal firearms license. On quiet days, you could find him reading sci fi novels, as he was an avid reader. He also loved to cook. One of his claims to fame was winning first place in Emma’s Bar’s annual chili cook-off. Scott was a persistent, strong-willed man and always he was true to himself. Those who knew him appreciated his authenticity and wicked sense of humor.

Scott is survived by his best friend and partner, Joan; his father, Oscar, of Stillwater; and his sister, Anne Spradley, also of Stillwater, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine, and his beloved Golden Retrievers: Cruppy, Strange, Odd, Ippy, and Dune.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 9th from 1:30pm to 4:30pm at Johnnie’s Bar in River Falls. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite memories of Scott! There will be a private interment in the Lakeview Cemetery in Mahtomedi. Cremation and memorial services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls.