November 3, 1954 ~ July 4, 2005
Steven Spencer passed away on July 4th 2005 at the Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio Texas.
Steven was born on November 3, 1954 in Elmhurst IL to Douglas and Eileen Spencer. As a baby he moved with his family to the Menahga-Huntersville area where he grew up and attended the Menahga Schools.
In 1972 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Halsey, he enjoyed very much the opportunity of travel and spent a lot of time touring the pacific. Upon his release from active duty he returned to Menahga. In 1985 he moved to Ranger Texas where he lived until his death.
He was a very talented craftsman who created fine furniture and stained glass windows, all by hand and of his own design.
He was a good friend, brother and uncle and will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Douglas and Eileen, and his sister Kathleen Munn Zentner.
He is survived by his sister Bernadette Lipkin and husband Harvey of Granbury Texas, his brother Douglas Spencer and wife Joan of Fargo ND and his brother Richard Tapio and wife Valerie of Menahga. He also had four nieces, seven nephews and 21 great nephews and nieces.
Service and Interment were held at Hubbard Cemetery on July 11, 2005 at 11:00 AM.
Memorials in his memory may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America.
To leave a note for the family, go to www.meadowlawn.net and Select Obituaries. Arrangements by MeadowLawn Crematory and American Mortuary.
Guestbook
To all the family and friends who have sent cards and letters, Douglas, Richard and I want to extend our heartfelt ‘Thank You’ Steve was here in Texas and for me that was really great having family close by, especially after Mother died. It was fun to visit and talk about things in the past like Shell city and Huntersville and about the time he and his buddy’s put the live skunk in a tavern in Menahga during the Midsummer celebrations! Mother was in the tavern at the time and was not too happy! He was full of pranks like that. He was a hard working man with a lot of stubborness which saw him thru his accident which changed his life. He never once showed self-pity or blamed it on the world around him. He took it in stride and made the best of it. I don’t know if I would ever have the kind of courage he had. He asked me to make sure he was cremated and his ash’s thrown in the river at Shell City where as a young boy he swam, fished and camped with his family and friends. In a private setting with just family present we did just that, I didn’t know how I would feel about it and with my brothers there to help it was beautiful and so peaceful. It was a ‘good’ goodby… and so a Veteran’s marker and the rest of the ash’s were buried in the Hubbard Cemetery where we now have four generations of our family. I hope to hear from relatives and friends with any stories of Steve, so ‘Thank You’ again… Bernadette Spencer Lipkin
Uncle Steve was always good to us and will be missed greatly. He made a great Jello dessert!
My memories are of “Stevie” as a little boy growing up in Menahga. He was the little brother of my best friend, “Byrd”. Steve was a few years younger than the rest of us kids, so naturally, he wasn’t in school yet after the rest of us went back in the fall. So he decided he’d visit all the ladies in the neighborhood in the morning. He went to Sylvia Nevala’s, Mrs. Hepola’s and my Mom, Lorraine Jacob’s each morning (until Eileen found out about it) and have a little snack at each house. This one particular morning Mom said he came in and said, “Hi Lorraine, what’s that cupcake doing on that plate?” She, of course, told him he could have it; and off he went to the next house! Mom still talks about that day and how cute he was! The other memory I have is of Stevie playing outside in the fall, with his parka on with bare feet and shorts on. Eileen always said, “I’m gonna crown that kid!”
We enjoyed visiting with Steve while in the VA Hospital he always gave us something to laugh about and lifted our spirits. Amazing young man and the staff at the hospital will miss him. His woodworking was unbelieveable. He never felt sorry for himself, what a lesson for all. Our thoughts are with all of you. Bobbi and Chuck
Your family has always been a part of the Wells family. Miles came between us but memories that we shared when growing up have always remained. Huntersville and Menagha hold many memories of our family gatherings during the Wells annual summer vacations. You all have our very deepest sympathy in the passing of Steven. I share in your sorrow and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Nancy K Wells Rasmussen
I will always remember Steve as a very kind and generous individual. In particular, in February of 1987, (while his mother was staying with him in Ranger, TX), we were invited to spend the night. He and Eileen entertained and fed us (I believe we definitely played “Trivia Pursuit” and I am trying to remember the game which I think was something like “Solitary Cribbage”?)Nonetheless, the great memories will always stay with me!!! We (my sister Shaan,friend Kari Tomperi and I)traveled to Texas to see Steve and Eileen on our way to San Luis Obispo, CA. It may have been out of our way, however, we made it a part of our itinary in order to be able to see Steve & Eileen. Steve also sent to me a very unique rolling pin, which he had created, (made with two types of wood), which I am still using today. I will truly miss him! Liz (Carlson) Olson, Menahga, MN