George E. Spencer

George Spencer, 86, of Chandler AZ, died March 8, 2015, surrounded by family at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix AZ. George was born January 14, 1929 in Red Oak, Iowa, the youngest of three boys to Ralph and Marjorie Spencer. He came from a family of pranksters, and George was always quick to get involved. George was a natural engineer so it was no surprise when he graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He married Beverly Thiessen in July of 1950 and they had four children, 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

No project was too large or small for George to engineer. George worked for LG Everest Inc. of South Dakota on projects all over the country, including the L. A. Harbor and Dulles Airport Runway. George also engineered rope swings and zip lines for his adrenaline loving grandchildren. All of these fun and games were not without an Engineering 101 lesson. Most importantly, he ensured everyone knew the difference between concrete and cement.

George and Beverly retired to SunBird Resort Community in Chandler, Arizona where they enjoyed golf and many volunteer projects, including the entryway fountain. George received the Crystal Award in 2010 for his commitment to improving the SunBird Community.

George will be remembered for his devotion to family and his community. He enjoyed golf, travel, and spending time with friends and family. George formed strong bonds through laughter, the universal language. Those lucky enough to call him dad, grandpa, uncle, husband, colleague and friend will forever remember him for his quick wit, big heart, and sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Beverly; parents, Ralph and Marjorie Spencer; two brothers, Morris and Robert; and son Matthew Spencer.

On March 14, 2011, George married Margret Wiseman. They celebrated their marriage by taking their entire family to Hawaii for a week of fun.

George is survived by his wife Margaret Wiseman, and three children; David and Kathy Spencer of Layton UT, Julie and Jim Anderson of Bowling Green, KY, and Michael Spencer of Bowling Green KY. He is also survived by grandchildren Michael, Tonya, Chris, Trisha, Tyler, Todd, Kaitlyn, Michael Jr., Matthew, Paul, Caroline, Jessica, Lauren and seven great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church in Sun Lakes, AZ on Thursday, March 12, at 1:00 pm and memorial service at 2:00 with reception to follow. Graveside burial services will be on Monday, March 16, at 11:00 am, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A reception will follow at First Presbyterian Church. Donations are being accepted to Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 East Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 and the Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, PO Box 1749, 801 N Sycamore Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57101.