P. Schonher

P. Spencer Schonher, a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa, joined his wives in heaven on Monday, March 16, 2020 at the age of 94.

Spencer was born December 31, 1925 in Howard, South Dakota, the son of Rudolph and Juanita (Wissler) Schonher. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, then completed his degree in electrical engineering from South Dakota State. In 1949, he married Carla Norgren and together they had four children, Linda, Cyndi, Alan, and Debra. After 31 years of marriage, Carla passed away in September 1980. Fortunately, Spencer found love again and married Bettie White in April 1982. Bettie and Spencer enjoyed 31 years together, traveling and spending time with grandchildren, until her passing in July 2013.

Spencer was known for his creative and inventive mind. He preferred to fix or build something himself over buying new—he even built three and a half of the homes his family lived in over the years. His many hobbies included wood and metal working, painting, and gardening. Spencer was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

Those who will honor his memory include his daughters, Linda Stewart of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Cyndi (Bruce) Davis of Neillsville, Wisconsin, and Debra (David) Stork of Dubuque, Iowa; his son, Alan (Roberta) Schonher of Castle Rock, Colorado; his stepdaughter, Janet (Ken) Franks of Anawan, Illinois; his stepsons, Greg White of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Harry White of Bettendorf, Iowa; his siblings, Curt Schonher, Carell Schonher, Nadine McAdaragh, Janet Evangelisto, and Larry Schonher; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his beloved wives, Carla and Bettie, Spencer was preceded in death by a son, Spencer Carl; his parents; three of his sisters, Joanne, Audrey and Marilyn; and one grandson.

Private family services will be held to honor Spencer. Burial with military honors will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus.