Spencer Alan Burdick

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Spencer Burdick Obituary

Spencer Alan Burdick Laurie, MO Spencer Alan Burdick, 76, of Laurie, Missouri, died peacefully in his sleep at Good Samaritan Hospice in Battle Creek on September 11, 2008. He was born in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin on April 15, 1932 to Georgia B. Burdick. He moved to Madison, Wisconsin when he was 12 and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1950. He married his high school sweetheart MaryEllen Cory in 1951. Spence's work moved the family to several states during his 35-year career in the insurance industry. He retired in 1990 as Regional Vice President for Transamerica Insurance in St. Louis, Missouri. He loved his family and his friends and he loved life. Spencer was a teller of tall tales and a debater of politics. He had an unwavering faith in the Chicago Cubs. He also loved the Green Bay Packers and the University of Wisconsin Badgers. In 1993 he and his wife moved to Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. In retirement he loved fishing, boating, traveling, and cooking for family, friends, and neighbors. Spence is survived by: MaryEllen, his wife of 57 years; son, John Burdick (Carole) of Yucca Valley, California; daughters, Susan Burdick (John Cumbers), Linda Grap (John), and Barbara Dowell (Michael) of Battle Creek; and six grandchildren, Kenneth Kilpatrick, Nathan Burdick, Sean Grap, Matthew Grap, Allison Dowell, and Leah Dowell. Spence was faithful and true. He lived by the saying, "A man's word is his bond." He was always gracious and generous. He made everyone around him feel like part of the family. Some of the people he counted as family include: Tom and Amber Gilot of St. Clairsville, Ohio; Suzanne Horsfall of Battle Creek; Robert Tieche of Portage; Tom Terrell of Battle Creek; Cheryl Egan and family of Kalamazoo; many friends at Lake of the Ozarks; and former colleagues at Transamerica. Spence and MaryEllen are members of Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church and the Elks Lodge 2705 of Laurie, Missouri. A memorial service will be held on 11:30 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home in Battle Creek with the Rev. Philip Griffin of First Wesleyan Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church in Laurie, Missouri, Camp Sagrada Scholarship Bible Camp of Lake of the Ozarks, or a charity of the donor's choice.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer from Sep. 12 to Sep. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Spencer Burdick

9 Entries

Sue Roberts

September 14, 2008

I am fortunate to be part of the Burdick family through marriage. I married Spence and Mary Ellen's nephew, Rich Roberts. Memories of both of them go back over 40 years ago when I was just a teenager.

Through the years I have had the pleasure of spending time with them during their visits to Rich's family in Arizona and more recently spending time with them in Missouri. When I was young, one of my uncles used to ask me who my favorite uncle was. I couldn't give him an honest answer. After meeting and spending time with Spence I can honestly say that he was more than an uncle-in-law, he was my favorite uncle.

I have been blessed with many gifts in my life. Begin part of Spence and Mary Ellen's family is truley one of the top 10.

My sympathies, love and prayers go out to the entire Burdick family. I will miss Spence's smile, laughter, conversation and wisdom. I can't even imagine what a void this will make in each of your lives.

God Bless each of you during this time of sorrow. I love you.

Dan Roberts

September 13, 2008

I was very fortunate and proud to refer to Spencer as Uncle Spence. I have wonderful memories of his humor and smile going back to my toddler days. He had a powerful warm and happy demeanor. You couldn't help but feel better in his presence.

I can't imagine the family's sadness to have lost such a beautiful man. I send my love to all of you.

Paul Harvey

September 13, 2008

Very fond memories of Spence will always be with us. A leader, mentor and above all, a gracious gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Spence's family and friends.

Cheryl Snead Allen

September 12, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Phil & Cheryl Egan

September 12, 2008

Spence had a very lively presence whenever we saw him. We knew him as "Dad" Burdick. In particular he and Mary Ellen (or "Mom" Burdick) were always very generous to us. Most recently they came to visit us while we were in St. Louis this spring for a conference, showing us the "Hill" and other local spots. We carry the memory of Spence in our hearts and we will miss him.

Loretta Hassler

September 12, 2008

My prayers and heart are with you as you celebrate Spence's life. What a wonderrful example of sound thinking, love and cheerfulness (what a GREAT, GREAT SMILE) he passes on to his loved ones.
God Bless and Keep ou

Cheryl Hinds

September 12, 2008

My deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you and your family.

Lynne (Denney) Haack

September 12, 2008

What an awesome example for people to look up to. I was his secretary many years ago at Transamerica and often wondered what had become of him and MaryEllen. He had a great laugh and made everyone feel like they were a part of the family. I'm glad to know that he enjoyed retirement to the fullest. He had the order of things right: God, Wife & family. I'm thankful to have known him.

Joyce Nelson

September 12, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Spence. When I first started to work for Transamerica in 1967, he was working in the Bond dept. He is one of the many people in the insurance industry that helped mold me into the person that I am today. I have never forgotten his humor and the kindness.

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