Dr. George H. Spoerl

Dr. George H. Spoerl A celebration of the life of Dr. George Henry Spoerl, 62, a longtime resident of Northbrook, will be held at 4 p.m. today, at the Village Presbyterian Church, Northbrook. Born in Chicago, he died Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, at his home. Dr. Spoerl graduated from Northwestern University where he was the production manager of the WAA-MU show. He met his wife, Barbara, at school. George received his medical degree from Northwestern University and served as a medical officer with the Navy in the Philippines during the Vietnam war. Dr. Spoerl worked for almost 30 years in his private ophthalmology practice, Northwest Eye Physicians of Arlington Heights. Over the years he focused in pediatric ophthalmology, due to his love of children, and also worked hard at and enjoyed keeping current with the most advanced surgical procedures to help old and young alike. He served on the staffs at Northwest Community Healthcare, Children's Memorial Hospital and Glenbrook Hospital. Dr. Spoerl was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology as well as a member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. He worked with residents at Northwestern University and donated his time to the Free Eye Clinic in a Hispanic community in downtown Chicago. His true passion was rooted in travel, adventure and embracing other peoples and cultures. He traveled extensively in four continents and always visited destinations on the "wild side!" He loved the outdoors and hiked everywhere, while sharing his love of animals and all creatures, great and small. He was a fabulous gourmet cook and a real food aficionado. Most every week he was watching either a foreign film or a great drama movie and then sharing in reviews. He was engaged in life at all times. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara; mother, Marjorie; daughter, Kristin (Keith) Mackay; and son, Mark (Dina). Memorials may be made to Rapides Habitat for Humanity, 1320 Monroe St., Alexandria, LA or the Anti-Cruelty Society, 510 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL. Arrangements were made by Hanekamp Funeral Home, Northbrook. Friends may visit www.dailyherald.com/obits to express condolences and sign the guest book. For funeral information, (847)272-3890.