Spencer T. Hueneke

A deeply loved and big-hearted man whose life was defined by his relationship with God, love for his wife and family and commitment to his Sobriety. Spencer Thomas Hueneke passed away on August 9, 2023, he was 63 years old.

Born on May 9, 1960, in Los Angeles, Calif., Spencer spent most of his life in the community of Salem, Oregon. He graduated from McNary High School in 1978.

Spencer was a natural athlete and devoted sports enthusiast. Growing up he either had a basketball, baseball, or golf club in hand. He was an outstanding pitcher, played on the Golf Team and Varsity Basketball for McNary High School, but golf sustained him through his life as his great passion and hobby. It is estimated he played close to one hundred different golf courses; he also had a Hole in One at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Deigo.

Spencer started working in the family business, The Original Pancake Houses on North Portland Rd. in 1974 at the age of 14 alongside his father Tom Hueneke, Grandfather Ferdinand Hueneke, and longtime waitress Shirley Mills. He worked as a cook, dishwasher and prep cook on weekends and summers throughout High School and into his twenties. He was instilled with a strong work ethic and great pride in the Family business. Later in his life, Spencer worked at McNary Golf Course in Keizer as the Head of Outside Services. McNary is the same golf course he learned to play golf on as a boy. He loved his job and time at McNary Golf Course.

In 2003, Spencer met his beloved wife, Michelle, and they married on December 5, 2016. They spent two decades together before he passed. They saw eye to eye on everything, God, sobriety, politics, family, people and pretty much everything else.

Spencer had a heart for people in their struggles and victories. He came home to Michelle every day with a renewed sense of how much God had changed his life. March 14, 2015, was Spencer’s Sobriety date. He lived with a heart full of gratitude for the fresh start God had given him. He became extremely active in Alcoholics Anonymous, receiving invaluable support and understanding and the opportunity to help others on their sobriety journeys.

Spencer died of a Ruptured Aortic Arch Endograft. Spencer’s passing was preceded by 29 days hospitalized with Staphylococcus Sepsis that deteriorated his Aortic Arch Endograft performed 3.5 years earlier in emergency open heart surgery. He went home for a few days but returned to the hospital on Aug. 8 when doctors told him the damage to his Aorta was fatal but that he would have time to say his goodbyes. Spencer and his family were blessed with several hours being able to say everything they and he wanted to and needed to, even making a few phone calls, most importantly to his mother in Denver. Spencer left this world ready, accepting, calm, unburdened, loved and free when he met his God.

Spencer is survived by his wife Michelle A. Hueneke; parents Thomas J. Hueneke (Paddy) and Rachel I. Thomas (fka: Imogene Hueneke); sister Sara Hueneke-Ernst (Paul), nephew Cole Ernst; Michelle’s children Brooke (Jason), Stephen, Jeremy; and grandchildren Layla, Jaxon, Chloe, and Conner; Paddy’s daughter Ashley Scanlon (Mathew); Aunt Joan Hueneke; Aunt “Darn” McCormack (William); Cousin Scott McCormack, Cousin Eric McCormack(Tara). He is also survived by his beloved cat Bailey. Spencer was preceded in death by Michelle’s son David.

Spencer’s big heart, big stature, fun-loving nature and big presence will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

“Unable are the Loved to die, for love is immortality..” – Emily Dickinson

Spencer’s Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, September 17, at 4 p.m., at Illahe Country Club, 3376 Country Club Road S., Salem, Oregon, 97302.

All are Welcome.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Spencer’s memory to Union Gospel Mission of Salem, www.ugmsalem.org.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Spencer’s memory to Union Gospel Mission of Salem, www.ugmsalem.org.