Mr. Ronald Maxwell “Spence” Spencer, Galesburg Chapel
65, of Galesburg, died at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 18, 2012 in OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
He was born February 28, 1947 in Galesburg the son of John O. and Ruth I. Maxwell Spencer.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in law, Tiffany and Mike Wilson of Galesburg; his grandson, Michael “Roman” Spencer Wilson and granddaughter, Chloe Kaylynn Wilson, both of Galesburg; a sister, Val Spencer Schubert (and John) of Racine, Wis. and their children, Brad Goff (and Morine), Jeff Goff (and Tracie), and Julie Cantarini; a sister, Denise Spencer McGarry (and Harley R.) of East Galesburg and their children, Harley T. McGarry (and Devin), Johnathan B. McGarry (and Jamie), and Lindsey Jo Johnson (and Matt); and seven great nieces and five great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ronald graduated from Galesburg High School in 1965, then served in the United States Army as a medic with the rank of SP4 from May 18, 1966 to May 17, 1968. After returning to Galesburg, he earned his associate’s degree from Carl Sandburg College. Ronald was in business for himself at Sandburg Mall for many years. He then worked in management for United Facilities. Prior to retirement, Ronald was sales manager at the Ford/Lincoln-Mercury dealership of Kewanee Motors.
He attended First Lutheran Church. After retiring in 2006, he was a devoted “Pa-Pa” to Roman and Chloe and was an active member to his local AA family.
Funeral will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 24, 2012 in Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. James Ecklund will officiate. Visitation will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel. Entombment will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with military rites by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285. Memorials may be made to an education fund for his grandchildren, Roman and Chloe, in care of First Midwest Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
sorry for your loss. hes in a much better place no more suffering or pain at PEACE!
There are no words to express the impact Ron had on peoples lives all for the good. He made a huge impact on my life. Such a gentle soul that will be missed by so many. My deepest sympathy to all of his family. He loved his family and adored those grandchildren. I have known Ron for years but got to really known him when he came to AA. He is already missed.
My prayers are with you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a wondeful and kind man. Wish I could be at home to give you a hug. Keep your head up, cause some days are going to be harder than others. I will keep parying for you and your kids.
Ron and I were close friends while growing up at Lake Bracken. This friendship continued after those teen years and until careers sent us in different directions. It’s hard to believe that Ron has now passed on, just doesn’t seem possible! My condolence to his family, Ron was a super guy.
Denise, My prayers are with you. Remember Ron checking in cars and people on the weekends at Bracken.
So sorry for your loss.
I really enjoyed the time I got to share with Ron. Especially, the motorcycle rides. He was inspiring in many ways. My prayers are with the family.
I just met Ron at his daughters house about 6 weeks ago with Jamie Ziegler before our class reunion committee meeting. He was so funny telling stories and such. Denise you were a good friend of mine and I am so sorry for your loss and hope hope his grandchildren will be ok. Prayers to all of you.
Such a kind, kind soul…..A kindrid spirit and truly an orginal. We spent hours and hours in conversation over the years. And, who can forget his signature hats.
Peace to my friend,,,,,,,,
Tiffany,
So sorry to hear your Dad passed away.He made working at Kewanee Motors so much fun and always had a smile on his face.Sorry I can’t be there for the calling hours,as we are still wintering in Florida until mid June.Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and your Dad will always hold a special place in our heart.
tiffany, i am with western home health and i am so sad to hear about your dad. i was only with him a couple times but he was a very special man! he really loved you and told me what a great daughter and son in law he had! my heart breaks for you and your family. i am so sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dad, I can’t believe u r gone..my heart aches with pain I have never felt before, I know u r not n pain anymore and r with ru-ru and pa-pa..I miss u already so very much..I have been blessed to call u my dad and truly inspired by you..u r the most wonderful man I know!!!! I luv u and miss u deeply
We have so many memories from the river…what fun we had with your Dad! He was a good man and he sure did love you, Tiffany. I see you gave him a granddaughter also. We’re not boaters anymore…have a motor home down by Henry. Hang on to those wonderful memories.
Lots of Love
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories of happier times help carry you through this. May the angels surround you with a white light of love and protection and gently guide Ron home…..
My sympathy to all of you on Ron’s passing. He was a good friend to many and loved his grandkids without limit. His smile and sense of caring and humor will be missed, but we are all better for knowing him. I will treasure my memories of him. And pray for peace and serenity for you all now, and in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Martha Juergens
Tiffany,
I never met you but I heard many, many stories about you, your husband and the first grandbaby. I worked with your dad for about a year in Kewanee and he talked about you daily. I never got tired of his stories, or watching that twinkle in his eye as he told them. He really loved you and your family. I’m sure your heart is broken, but hope your wonderful memories help you and your family through.