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Allen Spencer Obituary
Allen Leonard Spencer, 80, Wisconsin Rapids, died late Thursday evening, June 20, 2013 at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield.
Services will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 25th at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Rev. John Grohs will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, June 24th at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 10:00 AM on Tuesday until the time of services at the church.
Allen was born in Necedah, WI on August 15, 1932 to Albert and Lorene (Heiniman) Spencer. He married Barbara J. Kurz on March 31, 1951 in Wisconsin Rapids. Allen graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950 and from the FBI National Academy in 1972.
He joined the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department as a patrolman in October 1955 and was promoted to Sergeant in November 1961, appointed Detective in 1966, and appointed Chief of Police in June 1971 and continued in that role until his retirement in January of 1988.
Allen was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids Elks Lodge #693, Wisconsin Rapids Optimist Club, Wisconsin Rapids Professional Police Association and was past president of the Wisconsin Police Chief's Association.
Allen achieved many milestones in his life and along the way realized the real value of education. Upon his appointment to WRPD, he devoted his life to law enforcement. After his retirement, he felt it was time to step aside, where he dabbled in woodworking, and enjoyed outdoor activities including: gardening, fishing, boating, camping, and spending time with his family at their cottage on the Eau Pleine Flowage. Some of his most memorable times were duck hunting with Don Swanson and Don Thompson and deer hunting with his son, grandson, and his friend Elton Polansky in Buffalo County. He also enjoyed spending winters in Mercedes, Texas for many years with his wife Barbara playing cribbage and golf and watching the wild life at his home on the river in Biron.
Survivors include: his wife, Barbara, Wisconsin Rapids; one daughter: Terry (Robert) Lee, Wisconsin Rapids; two sons: Gary (Kristen) Spencer, Wisconsin Rapids; Greg (Shelley) Spencer, Peoria, IL; seven grandchildren: Christopher Lee (fiancé Linda Huennekens), Madison, WI; Andrea (Bobby) Dell, Huntersville, NC; Stacey (Tony) Van Der Wielen, DeForest, WI; Rebecca (Chad) LaBarge, Portage,WI; Ryan Spencer, Wisconsin Rapids; and Drew and Nate Spencer, Peoria, IL; seven great-grandchildren; brother: Charles (Fran) Spencer, Winona, MN; sister: Lois (Arthur) Gazeley, Wisconsin Rapids; brother-in-law: Donald Knuth, Wisconsin Rapids; two sisters-in-law: Monique Kurz, Corpus Christi, TX and Yolanda Kurz, Silver Springs, Maryland and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, Dale and infant sister, Marian.
Allen's family will be establishing a memorial in his name for students attending the Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement program at Mid-State Technical College.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Allen Spencer
Elaine Meyer
June 16, 2019
Allen was my brother in law when i was married to his brother. He was my children's uncle and had spent summers
With him and his family when they were children. He was a swell guy and I knew him a long time. Elaine Meyer sends
this condolence to his family
June 30, 2013
We were so sorry to hear that Al passed away. He was always a favorite of mine and we had lots of fun with him at Terry's house growing up. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Spencer family.
Ann (Kittell) and Bruce Howat
Randy and Bea Herman
June 29, 2013
Our deepest Sympathy to the family of Allen. He will be missed. God's peace be with you at this sad time.
Randy and Bea Jaye Herman
June 27, 2013
Barb,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Al always had a great sense of humor and a bright smile. May the wonderful memories you hold, bring comfort in the days to follow.
Mike & LuAnn Martinson
Marilyn Bates-Clark
June 27, 2013
Barb so sorry to hear,about Allen, deepest sympathnies to your family
June 25, 2013
Our thoughts and prayer are with you all.
Ginger and Bob Kosmoski
Jody Hanneman
June 25, 2013
Our deepest sympathy goes out the Spencer family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Al was a kind and graceful man…a class act. He will be greatly missed by many.
Warmly,
Beverly, Scott (Spencer), Randy, and Jody
June 24, 2013
Gary,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. I hope the memories you have of your Dad will always be with you.
Sincerely,
Ron Vigder
Mary Ylvisaker
June 24, 2013
Dear Spencer Family:
We are so sorry to hear about Al! Eric has wonderful memories of all the time spent as your neighbor for so many years. I also feel blessed to know all of you and loved what a close family you are. Thinking of you during this difficult time praying for comfort as you deal with the loss of an amazing Husband and Father. With deepest Sympathy.
Eric and Mary Ylvisaker
Todd and Sherry Sowatzke
June 24, 2013
Barb, Terry, Gary, and Greg, I didn't expect to see this when I went to the WR Tribune this morning! Very sad to hear about Al. Our condolences go out to all of you!! He always was a really nice guy! It brings back memories as a child in the old neighborhood! May you all find peace and comfort in the days ahead!
Vicki Steiner
June 23, 2013
To the Spencer family,
Our families shared so many good times together. I smile just thinking of all the happy memories. I hope you do to. I can just hear our dad's laughing! Our sympathies.
Todd Spencer
June 23, 2013
Barb, Terry, Gary and Greg, so saddened to hear about Al's passing. I have so many fond memories of Al and your family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families.
ronald johnson
June 23, 2013
to the spencer family, our heart and prayers go out to everyone in these difficult times
Amy
June 22, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I got to know Al through the Elks Lodge, as I am the bartender there for the last 1 1/2 years. He was a fabulous gentleman and wonderful man to get to meet. Once again, my condolences to your family.
Dan and Shawn Joling
June 22, 2013
Gary and Mrs. Spencer and the Entire Spencer Family,
Another loss of a great Husband, Father, Grandfather and also that of a tremendous Law Enforcement Officer. I will always have great respect for the Chief. May God have a special place for him.
June 22, 2013
Barb.... our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Harry and Karen Cain
Diane Smith
June 22, 2013
Greg and Family,
Greg my heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Its hard to believe Al is gone. I remember all of the great times we had with your family up north at the cabin. He was a great man. He treated me like his own daughter. He will be missed by many.
June 22, 2013
Dear Greg and Family Spencer,
There are no words to adequately convey our sorrow for your loss. At this most difficult time, please know that you, Shelly, Drew, Nate, your mother and entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. May Al rest in much deserved eternal peace. God Bless All.
Bill, Jen, Tommy and Jeff Muir
June 22, 2013
Dear Greg and families,
We only got the pleasure to meet your Dad a couple times but were taken by his laugh and disposition. Your folks first introduced our family to cheese curds. Wisconsin cheese...love at first bite! Our hearts go out to you, Greg, Shelley and the boys and to all your family up North. Hugs to your Mom also. Love and prayers, Doug, Dawn, Kostas, Joel and Reid (Harman)
Vicki Cox
June 22, 2013
Barb and family, Gary and I join many others from your LaFloresta Tx family in sending our sympathies. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Sara Braaksma
June 22, 2013
So many memories, my heart goes out to you all. Peace be with you
June 22, 2013
Gary and Kristin, I am sorry for your loss of Gary's dad. Keep your faith strong and always look back at the good memories. Kathy Krohn
Kathy Krohn
June 22, 2013
Gary, I am so sorry for your lose of your dad. But remember he is up in heaven with my dad fishing. Keep your faith strong and you will get through this. Kathy Krohn
Elaine Meyer
June 21, 2013
Memories of our youth, reunions at Necedah and spending two weeks as a teen
with you Allen. You are in
the arms of our Lord. God
Bless your wife and children.
Joanne Engum
June 21, 2013
My heart goes out to all of you, as well as my prayers. I would like to share this verse, one that was so helpful to me at my time of great loss: "Grieve not that I have gone, but be happy and rejoice that I have been." Rest in peace Al.
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