Bruce Edward Spencer

Bruce Edward Spencer, 75, of Bonfield, Illinois, passed away at his home, on Saturday, November 5, 2016.

He was born February 22, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Albert and Adeline Spencer. Bruce married Carol A. Stevens, in 1963. She preceded in death on November 4, 1995. He then married Tara Sandborg in 1996.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Tara Sandborg of Bonfield; his children, Edward (Alison) Spencer of Wauconda, Illinois, Steven Spencer of Peoria, Illinois, Maria Carpenter of Rochelle, Illinois, Matthew (Janelle) Spencer of Peoria; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Lilly) Winter, Jordan Sperry, Jacob Sperry, Joshua Spencer, Jacqueline Spencer, Spencer Carpenter, Carol Carpenter, Hunter Spencer, and Kahlan Spencer; three brothers, John (Maryanne) Spencer of Pompton Plains, New Jersey, David Spencer of St. Augustine, Florida, Alan (Phyllis) Spencer, of Las Vegas, Nevada; two sisters, Kathy Herbst of Platteville, Wisconsin, and Sally (Bill) Schanlaber of Leesburg, Florida. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Carol, his daughter Anne Sperry and a grandson, Paul Winter.

Bruce graduated from Glenbard West High School, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, in 1959, and from Knox College, Galesburg, in 1963. He held a B.A. in Chemistry from Knox College, and later, achieved an M.S. in Physical Chemistry from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.

Bruce taught chemistry and science at Galesburg High School, Galesburg for 39 years. He also instructed chemistry part-time at Carl Sandburg College, and in the College for Kids program at Knox College, from its inception, until his retirement, in 2002. During most summers throughout his teaching career, he painted houses, including many of the old Victorians around Galesburg. Bruce was a National Honor Society Sponsor and supervised many basketball and football games at GHS. He was the coach for the Powder Puff Football Team for one season. Bruce and his wife, Carol also hosted several foreign exchange students.

Bruce enjoyed his animals, traveling, his fruit orchard, the outdoors, hiking, gardening, and fishing. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks fan. He had recently enjoyed watching rugby games.

Bruce’s favorite joke was to ask if you would like to see a picture of his “Pride and Joy”, upon which he produced a photograph of Pride furniture wax and Joy dishwashing detergent. But his true pride and joy were his children, grandchildren. He was also extremely proud of the many students he taught, and exchange students he fostered, who have gone forward with great achievements.

Memorial Services are scheduled for 10:00 am Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Cremation has been accorded. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Knox College, Galesburg. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com and or www.clancygernon.com