Donald ”Don”” Spencer, age 68 of Stillwater, formerly of Hudson died Saturday September 12th 2015, at the Golden Living Center in Stillwater with his family by his side. Don was born on September 26, 1946 in River Falls, Wisconsin; the son of George and Shirley (Zentzis) Spencer. He attended school in Hudson graduated from Hudson High School in 1964. In 1965, he was married to the former Jennie Owens. To this union, daughters Dawn and Theresa were born. Early in life, he worked a couple factory jobs before becoming custodian for EP Rock Elementary School in Hudson. He loved his job, working 25 years before a heart attack forced him to retire early.
‘Donny’, to his closest friends, was a gentle giant. He loved hanging with friends, playing a game of cribbage or euchre, or finding where the fish were biting with his good friend Elmer Fink He also enjoyed time spent as the one armed bandit with the penny slots at Turtle Lake Casino. Outdoors, he loved a quiet ride on his Fat Boy Harley, plowing driveways for family and friends, or catching some rays in the sun. His greatest accomplishment was that of dad and grandpa. He cherished every minute with them. On a more humble note, life wasn’t always positive. Donny fought alcoholism. However, he rose to the occasion, and was proud to be recovering as a member of alcoholics anonymous.
Don will remain in the hearts of his daughters Dawn Spencer-Marks (John Marks Sr.), Theresa Spencer; daughter-in-heart Kristi (Chris) Harwell; grandchildren Travis Spencer, John Marks Jr., Michelle (Jordan) Parker, Melissa Kester, Carly Harwell; great grandchild Maia Marks; siblings David (Lila) Spencer, Michael (Diane) Spencer, and long time special friends Judy and Charlie Kahler. Don is preceded in death by his parents and Jennie Spencer.
Memorial service for Don will be 4PM Friday September 18th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson. Visitation will be from 1pm to 4pm prior to the service at O’Connell’s Friday afternoon. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. A private Internment will be in the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson.
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