Joseph J. Spencer

Joseph J. Spencer, age 86 of Thomson, Illinois, died on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Savanna with Reverend Dan Foelske officiating. Burial will take place in St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in rural Savanna. A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the Wounded Warriors Project or St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Joe's memory.

Joe was born on September 11, 1927, the son of Robert and Lucille (Monte) Spencer in Milledgeville, Illinois. He attended both Milledgeville and Thomson area schools. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army. He married Lois Groezinger on April 16, 1949 at the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church parsonage.

Joe worked in the air conditioning and refrigeration business as an HVAC Specialist for the Savanna Army Depot for over thirty-eight years, before retiring in 1983. Joe was a handyman and able to fix almost anything with his hands, from cars to lawn mowers and furniture. He also did mechanical work at RJ Caron car dealership in Savanna. Joe and his wife, Lois were longtime members of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church. Joe enjoyed the outdoors, especially cutting firewood. Joe had a marvelous sense of humor and a contagious laugh. Most of all, Joe treasured spending time with his family and friends.

Joe will be dearly missed by his wife, Lois; three children, Joseph (Lois) Spencer of Morrison, illinois, Illinois, Gary (Diane) Spencer of Rapid City, Illinois and Rick (Nancy) Spencer of Thomson; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and one brother, Willie Spencer of Savanna.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Merle Spencer and two sisters, Irene Hebeler and Marguerite Beyer