Russell L. Spencer, 88, of Walnut, IL, died Thursday, June 23, 2016, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL.
Born August 2, 1927, in Rock Falls, IL, he was a son of Toby O. and Etta Mae (Crotts) Spencer. He was united in marriage to Ellen “Boots” Von Holten on February 2, 1947, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rock Falls.
Russell proudly served his Country in the U. S. Navy during WWII from 1944-1946. He worked as a Boiler Fireman with Northwestern Steel and Wire for 27 years until his retirement in 1989. He was a faithful member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rock Falls and was a member of the Lutheran Brotherhood. He was an avid sports fan and coach and loved watching any sport on TV, especially the Cubs. He loved playing dart ball, horseshoes, and softball through the church. He also enjoyed playing games, cards, and dice. He adored his grandchildren and was a loving husband and father.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Ellen “Boots” of Walnut; his children, Pam (Jim) Meyer of Walnut, Corrine (Joe) Olalde of Galt, IL, Shirley (Sid) Attig of Walnut, Russ (LuAnne) Spencer of Sterling, and Sandy (Duane) Cordes of Walnut; sisters, Beverly Burl of Camanche, IA, Karen (Dick) Kuehl of Morrison,IL, and Lois Popkins of Moline, IL; a brother, Chuck (Dorothy) Boucher of Sterling; several step-siblings; 20 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Marion Spencer and Junior Spencer; a sister, Myrtle Frank.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 27, 2016, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rock Falls, IL.
The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rock Falls, IL, with Pastor Vicki Stauter officiating.
Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling, IL.
A memorial in his memory has been established to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of McDonald Funeral Homes.