Frederick S. "Fred" Spencer

Frederick "Fred" S. Spencer, 97, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2021. He was born September 3, 1924 in Ottuma, Iowa to Glen and Nellie (Sallee) Spencer, and grew up in the Kalamazoo area, where his family moved when he was a young boy.

Fred proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was wounded in the Pacific and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his valor and bravery. In 2018, he was also honored as the "Last Man Standing" (https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2018/07/bottle_of_whiskey_presented_to.html) of his fellow soldiers in Company C, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd "Red Arrow" Division.

On October 4, 1945, Fred married his sweetheart, Rita Gianero, who survives. Fred is also survived by his two daughters, Donna Martin of Kalamazoo and Pamela (Rhea) Binkley of Dalton, GA, as well as his three grandchildren, Erika (James) Martin of Washington, DC, Benjamin Martin of Kalamazoo, MI and Kelsey Morren of Atlanta, GA. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and two older sisters.

Fred loved fishing, hunting, and gardening, and generously shared the bounty with family, friends, and neighbors. He also enjoyed bowling and golfing. Not once, but twice, Fred got a hole in one.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Fred's life will be 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 13th at St. Ann Catholic Church in Augusta. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery for family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan, VFW Post 1527, or St. Ann Catholic Church. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.