Rodney Charles Spencer

Rodney Charles "Chuck" Spencer died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. Chuck was born January 16, 1934 in Casa Grande, AZ to Rodney and Letha (Sproul) Spencer while his father worked for the WPA. His family returned to farming in the Taopi, MN area in 1938. Chuck attended school through the 8th grade and then took his place helping to support the family. He enjoyed cars, tractors and raising hell through his teen and early adult life but certainly knew the value of hard work and determination. On August 1, 1956, Chuck married Donna Mae Freerksen. Shortly after marriage, Chuck was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Budingen, Germany where Donna was able to join him and many friendships were formed. After discharge, Chuck and Donna returned to the U.S. where they farmed with his parents near Eyota, MN. Together they raised five children: Rick, Dale, Mark, Jay and Carrie. Chuck later began work as a heavy-duty tire serviceman for Brad Ragan Tire in Winona where he had many friends and retired after 30 years in 1997. Chuck and Donna celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006. Chuck took pleasure in his Harley Davidson, fishing, hunting of all kinds, and later in life he became a hunting mentor for his kids, grandkids, and local youth. If anyone was interested, he was ready. After his kids started having activities of their own, he convinced his wife they should get a puppy. Along came Choco the beagle. After Choco's death, another beagle followed - Bandit, his best buddy and "boy". The two of them enjoyed keeping tabs on Mark, 4-wheeling, shopping at Fleet Farm, berry picking, mowing lawns, TV and lots of naps under the big old cottonwood tree. He is survived by his son, Mark of rural Altura; his daughter, Carrie (Jason) Speltz of Altura; six grandchildren, Erica (Nate) Hansen, Travis Spencer, AJ Spencer-Carpenter (Taylor Horsman), Raelynn Speltz, Jaynah Speltz and Spencer Speltz; three great-grandchildren, Jayden Charles Hansen, Alyssa Marie Hansen and Averi Jayd Spencer-Carpenter; his sister, Shirley (George) Knode of Le Roy, MN; his brother, Daryl (Jeanie) Spencer of Rochester, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; three sons, Jay, Dale and Rick; and his parents. He lived a simple, content and rewarding life. Although there were many heartaches and challenges, he found great happiness in his friends and family.A living-room style gathering will take place in his honor at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service - Lewiston Chapel on Monday, February 8, 2010 from 4-8 PM. Everyone is also invited to join the family for a military honors burial on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 10 AM at the Bethany Moravian Cemetery. Pallbearers include several long time friends: Mark Patzner, Rick Patzner, Dan Woyczik, Butch Baures, Leo McKenna and Tim Murphy.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/118483