Bill Spence, 85

William “Bill” Elwood Spence, age 85, of Mendon, passed away at his home peacefully on Thursday, June 6, 2024.  He was born in Three Rivers on July 1, 1938 the son of Olin and Imagene (Butler) Spence.  Bill attended Mendon High School and was part of the 1956 graduating class.  A year later, on December 22, 1957 Bill married high school sweetheart and fellow classmate, Jan Schneider.  Bill enlisted in the United States Maine Corps and served his country with dignity.  He was extremely proud of his time in the service and was honored to raise the American flag at local events when called upon.  Bill was a jack of all trades, and a master of almost everything that included hard work and tools.  Anything cowboy related; Bill was interested in it.  He loved to travel out west to Montana to take in the mountain scenery and listen to the sounds of nature, especially the bugle of an elk.  He loved his horses and loved showing them off at the local fair.  He would watch old classic westerns, not for the action sequences, rather, the scenery behind it.  Given Bill’s hard work demeanor and simple life style, he was grateful for what he had and extremely humble about his capabilities.  He was happiest when he was able to visit with people and discuss a wide variety of topics, especially if it involved restoring an old barn.  Most importantly, he loved his family dearly.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jan Spence; children; Kirk (Kathy) Spence, Laurie (Timm) Smith, Cam (Kathy) Spence, Kerry (Jim) Brletich, Jeremy (Rebecca) Spence, and Jason (Cheyenne) Spence; grandchildren; Nick (Amber) Gerth, Kari Schmaltz, Josh (Sarah) Zinsmaster, Mindy (Bob) Stewart, Trevor (Mikiah) Zinsmaster, Chad Smith, Brian (Kelly) Smith, Kevin (Collette) Smith, Abby (Larry) Mencke, Adam (Kaylee) Spence, Emily (Samath) Spence, Ryan (Darcey) Ford, Skyler (Natalie) Ford, Spencer (Keely) Ford, Dakota (Emily) Brletich, Austyn Spence, Caden Spence, Dalton Spence, and Casey Spence; thirty-four great grandchildren; sister Gean (Greg) Wilkinson; sister in law Geanne Spence; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Tom Spence; sister Marlene Finley; and sister Marylynn Erbish.

In keeping with family wishes, cremation is being conducted.  A celebration of Bill’s life will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 11:00am at West Mendon Community Church (22994 Portage Lake Road, Mendon, MI 49072) with Pastor Troy Peterson officiating.  It is suggested that donations made in Bill’s name be made to West Mendon Community Church, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  Condolences and memories may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com