Robert Spencer

Robert Spencer, age 81, of Aurora, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, May 19th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Grand Island. President Kenneth Turner will preside and Dennis Hendricks will conduct the services. Interment will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 P..M. Sunday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary web-site at www.higbymortuary.com.

OBITUARY: ROBERT SPENCER

Robert Merle Spencer, son of Albert H. and Lela P. (Mideke) Spencer, was born on February 20, 1927 at Aurora, Nebraska and passed away on May 13, 2008 at Omaha, Nebraska.

Bob has lived most of his life north of Aurora where he attended country School District 19 through the 8th grade and graduated from Aurora High School Class of 1944.

He was united in marriage to DeNiece Pitcher on June 27, 1962 at the Logan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Utah. Their married life has been spent living north of Aurora where their three children also grew up on the farm.

Robert has been an active and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was noted as being an outstanding speaker and instructor, a learned scriptorian, and capable executive in many church callings. He served as a Bishop of the Grand Island First Ward and was presently serving as the Patriarch of the Kearney Nebraska Stake of the church.

Since his retirement from farming he has enjoyed serving as a volunteer guide at the Plainsman Museum. Other activities and interests have been regular membership in the Central City Gun Club, and the Butler & Saunders Blacksmith, Machinists & Welders Assn.. He also enjoyed seasonal hunting with friends and family members.

Bob enjoyed metal and woodworking in his shop at home and presented many beautiful gifts to his grandchildren and friends. He also spent many hours reading, was well read and informed on many subjects. He highly cherished his role as a father and grandfather, and loved his occupation of farming and all things of nature.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, DeNiece Spencer of Aurora; three children, Ronald (Stacie) Spencer of Aurora and twins, Terese Nielsen of Temple City, Calif. and Terence Spencer of Milford, NE., seven grandchildren, Nial, Erik, LeAnna, Leigha, Evan and Larisa Spencer,and Lars Nielsen. Also his sister, Marlys Christensen of Valentine, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents.