Milestones » Obituaries » George J. Spence

George J. Spence, 85, of La Porte City, died February 9, 2010, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home. He was born October 8, 1924, in Cainsville, MO, the son of George Early and Nellie Proven Spence. He married Marion Frances Gill on June 25, 1946, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte City. The resided in Traer in the Veterans’ Housing (alias barracks) before moving to La Porte City four years later.

George graduated from La Porte City High School in 1943. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 and had a tour of duty in the medic corps in Okinawa during WWII. George hauled lime and fertilizer and shelled corn. He owned and operated the Office Tap for 18 years and farmed for 27 years. In retirement he continued to work for Spence Fertilizer. He also drove school bus for about five years.

He was a member of American Legion San Diego Post #207 and VFW Post #3983, Lion’s Club, La Porte City Golf Club, Sacred Heart Church and a volunteer fireman. He was an avid card player, enjoyed life on the river, boating, fishing and having fun at the cabin. He enjoyed sports and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Marion of La Porte City; three sons, Gil (Beckie) Spence of Dubuque, Stanton (Cindy) Spence of Mt. Auburn, Timothy Spence of Phoenix, AZ; three daughters, Becky (Ralph) Schulte of Fort Dodge, Teresa (Richard) Rubendall of Waterloo, Ann Smith of Cedar Rapids; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and one sister, Winifred Lambert of San Diego, CA.

Preceding him in death were his parents; seven siblings; one grandson and one great-grandson.

A Mass of Christian burial was held February 13 at Sacred Heart Church in La Porte City. Military Rites were conducted by the La Porte City American Legion San Diego Post # 207 and VFW Post #3983.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cedar Valley Hospice Home or the American Heart Association.