Elgin man lived a life of service

Before Stanley Sphatt served Elgin, he first served his country.

Sphatt, a surviving member of one of the Korean War's most notable battles, logged 30 years with the city's fire department, including his last as acting chief before retiring in 1985.

"He liked serving people and helping people," said his younger sister, Judy Fitchie. "He was brought up with great values and taught his kids well. They had to tow the line. He had that Marine in him."

Sphatt died Monday at his Elgin home surrounded by family members. He was 77.

He was born May 4, 1930, in San Antonio, Texas and graduated Elgin High School in 1948, playing football and running track.

He also was a fire science engineering graduate from Elgin Community College.

Sphatt served in the Marines from 1948 to 1952 and survived the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War.

Later, he worked at the U.S. Post Office and sold insurance before joining the city's fire department.

"He was a pro and lived the life of a dedicated fire fighter," said Leo Nelson, former Elgin city manager.

Fitchie said her brother would work side jobs on his off days to earn extra money and always found time to coach his children's baseball and softball teams.

"It was all about everybody playing and everybody learning," said Becky Minehart, Sphatt's daughter.

Minehart said that in the 1970s there was a car accident behind their home. After hearing screeching tires, Sphatt instinctively jumped a fence and tended to an injured junior high-aged boy until paramedics arrived.

That spirit carried over when it came to helping family members and volunteering for groups like the North End Businessmen's Association, which raised money for community projects that helped handicapped people.

"He was the steady rock in our family. Whenever something would come up, he would take care of it. He would stay calm," Minehart said. "He was someone you could always count on."

His hobbies included fishing, watching sports and rooting for the Chicago Cubs.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin, where he was a member for more than 50 years. Burial will be private.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Wait Ross Allanson Funeral and Cremation Services Chapel, 51 Center St., Elgin, and from 12 to 1 p.m. Friday at the church.