(Bradley, Mich.) – Today, the Gun Lake Tribe (Tribe) announced the passing of former Chairperson Leah Sprague-Fodor.  She passed away at her home in Dorr on September 10, 2017.      

She is survived by husband, Bill Fodor, who was Leah’s faithful companion for 23 years; her son Brice; her father DK Sprague; her siblings Frank (Tami) Sprague, Virginia (David) Vanderband and Ryan Sprague; her nieces and nephews, Jason, Desirae, Gena Sprague, Ciara, Reece, Grace Jacobs, Mason Sprague; many extended family and special friends, including Stephanie Rahn and Jennifer Palmer.

Leah held a special place in the hearts of each and every person who knew her.  She devoted her life to serving the Gun Lake Tribe with an emphasis on caring for the elders and tribal youth. 

Prior to her years on Tribal Council, and as Chairperson, she was the Member Services Director, and was one of the first two employees hired by the Tribe.  She was a lifelong member of the Bradley Indian Mission Methodist Church where generations of her family worshiped and resided nearby.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the Gun Lake Community Church, 12200 West M-179 Hwy, Wayland, MI 49348.  The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services Dorr Chapel, 4330 18th St, Dorr and from 10-10:45 a.m. Friday at the Church. Online condolences can be left at www.kubiakcook.com.

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About Gun Lake Tribe

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) has a rich history in West Michigan and a close connection to the land.  The Bradley Indian Mission, located near Wayland, is the historic residential and cultural center point of the tribal community.  The Tribe’s ancestors, and political predecessors, signed treaties with the United States government dating back to 1795.  The Tribe was re-affirmed to federal recognition in 1999.  For more information about the Tribe visit www.mbpi.org.