William R. "Bill" Spatz

In Loving and Hilarious Memory of William R. Spatz
Bill Spatz, the legend who could work the trickiest crossword puzzles with ease, has left us laughing at the age of 96. Born on September 13, 1927, in Minersville, California, to Lee Conrad and Sadie Ruth Waldo Spatz, he then proudly served his country in the United States Army in WW2. Afterwards, he had four kids, Tammy, Tina, Teri, and Tony, and dedicated his days to crafting custom cabinets at Bend Cabinet and Beaver Coaches in Bend, OR until retiring and relocating to Branson, MO in 1990.
During that time, it wasn't just his woodworking skills that impressed us. He had a knack for making us bust into laughter with his playful pranks and constant jokes, gags and impressions. Whether pretending to shake "dandruff" onto a white piece of paper, or the classic finger-in-ear-tongue-in-cheek routine, he had a mischievous spirit that brightened up any room. And let's not forget his legendary skills in Trivial Pursuit, with a unique talent for pretending not to know the most obscure answers, only to surprise everyone with his vast knowledge.
He also had an unwavering passion for music. He started playing the guitar and fiddle in the late 1970's, inspiring his wife Winona and their 3-year-old son Tony to also learn these instruments. Together, they formed a talented musical family, dedicating countless weekends and years to fiddle competitions, performances, and jam sessions with friends.
Later, he and Winona spent winters in the Rio Grande Valley, where they immersed themselves in music, playing and singing in multiple jam sessions each day. Through their shared love of music, they formed deep friendships with many incredible musicians. They always made sure to return to the Branson area every year, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
Eventually, they relocated to Rogers, Arkansas, where his love for music, singing, and playing never wavered. He continued to entertain others with his infectious laughter, jokes, and spontaneous songs, bringing joy to everyone around him.
Even in the final hours and days before his passing, Bill was singing Christmas carols and cracking jokes, reminding us all of his enduring spirit and love for life.
To our beloved Bill, we love you more than words can express. Your laughter, music, and memories will forever echo in our hearts.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Walter, Samuel, and Glen Spatz, Gloria Hobson and Evelyn Fleiger.
He is survived by his wife Martha Winona Spatz, four children Tina Lawson, Tammy Olson, Teri Marcy and Tony Spatz, one brother David Walker, eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial graveside services will be at a later date, with full military honors at the Fayetteville National Cemetery, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com