Alfred Gene E Spring

.Alfred E. “Gene” Spring passed away at 5:33 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. He was born on August 3, 1929 in Lima to the late James and Alma (Rose) Spring. On June 26, 1952 he married Audrey “Oz” Van Buskirk who preceded him in death on November 11, 1994.

Mr. Spring is survived by his son, John (Paula) Spring, his daughter, Faith (Mike) Cummings and by his grandchildren, Andrea (Nick) Loftis, Ryan (Sara) Lee, Jaime (Patrick) Mulready, Jon (Ty) Spring, and his great granddaughters, Madison and Aubrey Lee. He is also survived by several brothers-in-law, and very special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Robert (Julia) Spring, William Spring, John (Esta) Spring and Thomas (Virginia) Spring. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Howard and Donna Van Buskirk, sisters-in-law, Agnes Louise Ogsden, Frankie Armstrong and Jane Van Buskirk and a nephew, Lance Van Buskirk, and two nieces, Jeannette Armstrong and Stacey Claire Spring.

Gene attended St. John’s Catholic School, Lima, Ohio. He retired from St. Rita’s “Hospital” after 29 years, where he worked as Supervisor of Maintenance. He was previously employed at North Star Woolen Mill, Westinghouse and The Gro-Cord Rubber Company. Gene was a devout Catholic and role model of the faith for his family. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lima. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 2661 and Eagles # 370. He was a dedicated fan of Notre Dame and Ohio State Football and also of the Cincinnati Reds Baseball team.

Gene loved his family dearly and spent most of his time with them. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Eagles #370; Leonard, Bob, Tom, Nancy, Ron and all of the Waitresses. The family would like to sincerely thank Gene’s friends, Paul Woelke and Earl Sneary, and all of his friends at the Eagles for their support, friendship and many fun times for Dad. He valued each one of you. The family would also like to especially thank Caretakers, Molly, Chris and Mindi of Sunrise Home Health. What a blessing you have been to Dad and each one of us, we truly appreciate your knowledge, skills, care and support and all that you have done for each of us. So much appreciation is also given to Dr. James Bowlus and his staff, and the staff at St. Rita’s Medical Center for their untiring efforts of care and support for our Dad over many, many years.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 22, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Father David Ross officiating. Interment will follow at Gethsemani Cemetery. Family and friends may call for visitation at SIFERD-ORIANS FUNERAL HOME on Sunday, February 21 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. A Parish Wake service will begin at 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lima, Ohio. Online condolences can be left at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com.