SPENCER, William A.,, M.D. 1920-2004

SPENCER, BARTELLS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/20/2009 at 19:11:32

DR. WILLIAM A. SPENCER, M.D.

OSAGE, IOWA — Dr. William A. Spencer, M.D., 83, died Saturday (Oct. 23, 2004) at University Hospitals after a fire at his home in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, with a reception following in the fellowship hall.

His body has been cremated. Interment will be at a later date.

Dr. Spencer was born Nov. 17, 1920, in Belleville, N.J., the son of John and Lydia Spencer. Following graduation from Columbia University College of Medicine, he interned at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Benna Bartells on June 15, 1946, in Streator, Ill. Following his surgery and anesthia residencies at George Washington University Hospital, in Washington, D.C., he returned to Osage, where he practiced until his retirement in 1995.

Patients recall his caring and compassionate demeanor.

He loved Iowa sports, especially Hawkeye football and enjoyed playing golf and bridge with friends. He will be remembered for his cheerful manner and dedication to his patients. His wife of 57 years, Benna, died last year.

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

[Mason City Globe Gazette]