Ivan L. Spencer
July 03, 2011
Ivan L. Spencer, 79, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on July 3, 2011, after a long courageous battle with lung cancer.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, July 8, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.
Born December 3, 1931, Ivan Lee Spencer was the son of Rubert and Marvel (Stutsman) Spencer in Adelphi, Iowa. He grew up and graduated from Runnells High School in 1951. After graduation, Ivan enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean Conflict.
Ivan worked as a Maintenance Man for Bookey Packing, and later retired from Younkers as an Electrical Engineer. In his free time he enjoyed playing softball as a catcher, and was inducted into the Adelphi Softball Hall of Fame in 1995. Ivan also enjoyed working in his shop on lawn mowers and snow blowers, or lending a helping hand to someone when needed. Most of all he loved spending time with his wife and family.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Christina “Tena”; daughter, Natalie (Gary) Martin; sons, Tim (Jhoana) Spencer, and Mike (Terry) Spencer; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler, Kara, T.J., Kaylee, Amber, and Nicole; one great-grandson, “Lil” Ronnie; and brother, Corky (Harlene) Spencer.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Vicki Parsons; brothers, Darrell, Leon, and Raymond Spencer; and sisters, Donna Cameron, and Norma Jean Rivas.
The family would like to thank Pastor R.D. and De Streeter and friends of Staves United Methodist Church for all their love and support through our difficult time. Also they would like to thank their beloved friends, Iowa Home Care-Hospice, especially Monica and Sharyl, and Dr. Mark Westberg and Jan at John Stoddard.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Staves UMC or Taylor Hospice House.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jim and Linda McPherson
07/07/2011
Dear Tena and family,
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
God Bless each of you as you deal with the loss of Ivan.
Just be aware of the many blessings that you receive while trying to move forward.
Tena remember if we can help with anything please ask.
We Love You, Jim and Linda McPherson
Donald & Tina Britt
07/06/2011
So sorry to hear of Ivan's passing. We were so sorry to hear he passed away.
The Messenger
From an Angel on high
a tender message of love was softly whispered into the ear
of this humble scribe....
Weep not for me
now that I have passed.
Remember the laughter, the affection, the joy
not just the recent tears.
Cherish the memories, our hopes and dreams.
Hold fast to the love that we shared.
Be happy with the time we spent together
and being anew.
For I am not really gone,
I am closer than ever before.
As the morning sun rises
and throughout the busy day...I am with you.
Until the setting sun disappears on the horizon
and we watch the day turn into night...I am here.
You may feel a faint breeze stir round your head, while you slumber
as I gently kiss your forehead, "Good night."
The stars that shine so brightly in my heavenly sky
help me watch over you and keep you from harm.
I am the wind in the trees
and the song of a bird.
I am moonbeams in a midnight sky
and a glorious rainbow after the storm.
I am morning dew
and freshly-fallen snow.
I am a butterfly flying overhead
and a puppy happily at play.
I am a smile on a stranger's face
a gentle touch
a warm embrace.
Listen to the wind for my message of love.
Watch the sun rise and set in the sky with me.
Feel my essence encircle you with warm memories.
Open your heart to know...I am not gone.
Reach deep into your soul...You will find me.
I am here.
Have no fear.
I am with you,
Always.
Love, The Britt Family