William C. Spencer

THE REVEREND DOCTOR WILLIAM SPENCER The Reverend Doctor William (Bill) C. Spencer, 71, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away in Gilbert December 23, 2013. Bill was born September 24, 1942 in Defiance, Ohio to Willis and Louise Spencer. He attended Spencer Elementary, Defiance High School and earned his Bachelor"s degree from Defiance College in 1966. He received his Master of Divinity degree from the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1970 and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1991. He was ordained into the Christian ministry of the Lutheran Church on June 7, 1970 by the Reverend Edward Dodt as authorized by the American Lutheran Church. His ministry was served at Our Savior"s and Faith Lutheran churches in Calamus, Iowa; Grace Lutheran Church in Tripoli, Iowa; East Valley Interfaith Counseling Center in Mesa, Arizona; Our Savior Lutheran Church in Marshalltown, Iowa and Hope Lutheran Church in Powell, Wyoming. He is survived by his wife, Diane Spencer; sister Ann Hillman; son Mark Spencer (wife Ashli and grandchildren Rachel, Abby and Kayla), daughter Julie Spencer (husband Michael Perry); was preceded in death by son Paul Spencer (daughter-in-law Stephanie Interrante and grandchildren Luke, John and Rebekah). He is also survived by stepsons Craig Schwemm (wife Sheri and grandchild Hillary), Troy Schwemm (wife Kerri and grandchildren Hannah and Brianna) and Chad Schwemm (grandchildren Brett, Derek and Nick). Memorial services will be held at Desert Cross Lutheran, 8600 S. McClintock Tempe, Arizona, at 1 pm on Saturday, January 4th with refreshments to follow at the church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers or memorials, contributions be made to the general fund of Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp in Story City, Iowa.