Michael A. Spencer

1943 - 2021

Michael A. Spencer

Michael A. Spencer died February 9, 2021 at the age of 77, after battling Covid and several underlying health conditions. He died at Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, WI where he was also born on August 15, 1943, to Helen Miller Spencer and Maxwell A. Spencer. They Preceded him in death as did his only sibling, Margaret Spencer Bartlett. Mike is survived by two sons, Mark (Liz Galiardo) Glen Ridge, NJ, and Jeffrey (Mandy) of Bloomington, MN, four grandchildren: Austin, Declan, Abbott, and Holland. He is additionally survived by nieces, Mary Bartlett Otto and Ann Bartlett Roberts, one nephew, Steven Bartlett, and his brother-in-law, William Bartlett.

Mike was in the first graduating class of Lourdes High School, Oshkosh, in 1962. He graduated from UW-LaCrosse in 1966 with degrees in History and Physical Education and with a Masters in Physical Education from UCLA in 1967. Most of his career was spent teaching and coaching at UW Center-Fox Valley's campus in Menasha, WI.

Mike was a gifted athlete who enjoyed playing and watching many sports, especially golf. The Wisconsin Badgers basketball and football teams were dear to his heart. He had many enduring friendships and enjoyed travel. For many years he wintered in Arizona and the Monterey Peninsula in California. Mike developed quite a green thumb later in life. He collected many endearing nicknames over the years: Merle, Coach, Mr. Magoo and Spence. He will be missed.

Special thanks to the nurses in the Covid ward at Mercy Hospital for helping his children, keeping them informed and ultimately facilitating a good-bye Zoom call.

Given the current Covid restrictions, a memorial service will be held later in the summer for family and friends.