OBITUARY: Dr. William Spencer, 1920-2004, Mitchell County, Iowa

[Adapted from: Mitchell County Press-News online - 10/27/2004]



                         Dr. William Spencer

Memorial services for Dr. William A. Spencer, M.D., age 83, were held
on Wednesday, October 27, 2004, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in
Osage, Iowa.

His body has been cremated for inurnment at a later date. Dr. Spencer
died Saturday, October 23, 2004, at University Hospitals after a fire
at his home in Osage.

William Spencer was born Nov. 17, 1920, in Belleville, New Jersey,
the son of John and Lydia Spencer. Following graduation from Columbia
University College of Medicine, he interned at University of Iowa
Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Spencer served in the U.S. Navy during
World War II.

He married Benna Bartells on June 15, 1946, in Streator, Illinois.

Following his surgery and anesthesia residencies at George Washington
University Hospital in Washington D.C., he returned to Osage where
he practiced until his retirement in 1995.  He will be remembered
for his cheerful manner and dedication to his patients.

Benna, his wife of 57 years, died last year.

Dr. Spencer is survived by five children: Polly Horton (Douglas)
of Iowa City, Marian Buff Spencer (Ralph Mouschella) of Hopkington,
Massachusetts; Deana Chisholm (Mark) of Osage, Bill Spencer
(Courtney) of Ankeny, and Ned Spencer (Kristi) of Estero, Florida;
and six grandchildren.



    Copyright 2004, K. L. Kittleson