John R Spence

ANNAPOLIS, MD/LODI/ARLINGTON-John Roger Spence passed away peacefully at his home in Annapolis, MD on December 16, 2017 at the age of 93. He had resided in Annapolis for 30 years, during which much of his time was spent working outdoors. Mr. Spence was from the mid-West, having been born in Fairbault, MN on September 12, 1924. His parents, Victor and Theresa Spence, were both teachers of the deaf and were also deaf. John’s twin sister, June Schaaf, passed away in 2013. Mr. Spence had a warm personality and maintained his very positive and optimistic outlook throughout his long and lustrous life. John was married to Elynore J. Spence (nee Thistle) who passed in 1988. Their four children, Marybeth Ford (spouse Kenny), William Spence (Sylvia), Susan Spence (Jay) and Stephen Spence (Claudia); two grandchildren, Jami Bonyun (Jeff) and Rebecca Spence; and two great grandchildren, Julia and Claire Bonyun, survive them. Mr. Spence served in the US Navy during World War II. After the war, John graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, IA. He had a long and successful career as an engineer in air conditioning manufacturing both in the US and Internationally, and he and his wife Elynore lived a number of years in Egypt. Despite his stellar accomplishments during his career, John was proudest of his family. John’s loving pet until the end was Kitty, adopted from the SPCA in Annapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (aacspca.org). Graveside Service will be held at ARLINGTON TOWNSHIP CEMETERY, N1390 Hwy Q, Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:30 am. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main Street (608)592-3201