In Memoriam: Spencer Warren (1951-2016)

Spencer Warren's Life

Spencer was born on June 23, 1951 in Ripon, WI, the third child of Luella (Stollfuss) Brownlea and Gerald Warren (deceased). Spencer died on April 22, 2016 in Stoughton, WI.  Spencer's death occurred on Earth Day, on the day of a full moon, significant in how Spencer lived and loved his life.  Spencer was blessed by an amazing family that loves to laugh, brothers Larry (Kathie) Warren (deceased, 2005) and Keith (Katie) Warren, and sister Tamara (Terry) Liptow.

Spencer and Valli Davis began their married life together on March 18, 1983 in Eau Claire, WI after having met as teachers in the Black River Falls, WI area.  They have always known that they were perfectly connected.  They loved the outdoors...hiking, camping, beekeeping, gardening, traveling, and singing with friends at the Full Moon parties.  They loved cooking and canning and enjoyed many years with their Gourmet Group.  Of course everyone knows that Spencer was the ultimate coffee connoisseur, roasting and brewing in search of the perfect cup of coffee.

Without a doubt, the greatest joy in Spence's life occurred with the birth of Spencer Lee Warren II.  His son meant the world to him.  The family Spencer Lee created with Maria only increased that joy with the birth of the two wonderful grandsons, Spencer Lee III and Lucas Peter.  Spence's eyes would light up whenever they were all here.

Spence graduated with an Education Degree from UW-LaCrosse and a Master's Degree in Library and Informational Studies from UW-Madison. Teaching children, both in the classroom and the library, was his passion.  A musician, amateur clown and magician, lifelong reader, and world traveler...Spencer taught all of us the joy of living.

Spence was our friend.  True...genuine...authentic.  He accepted everyone and always saw the good in them. We could count on that. It was truly who he was.  Their Stoughton family provided love and support to them for nearly 30 years and rose to the challenge of being there for them on their long ALS journey.  The Koffee Klutch friends were there to surround him with their support, help keep the garden beautiful, and to roast the green coffee beans.  Friends from all decades of his life, and you know who you are, because you hold him in your heart, were important and valued.  We were all better because he was our friend. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, especially the laughter.

So we honor Spence by loving one another.  Cherish friendships...cherish the children...cherish the earth.