Louis J. Spencer

Louis J. ""Lou"" Spencer, 64, Rockford, died suddenly at 3:20p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2008 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center.  Born February 9, 1944, in Youngstown, Ohio.  Son of Louis J. and Mary Kacenga Spencer.  Graduated from Ursuline High School in Youngstown, University of Cincinnati, and Aurora University.  Veteran of the U.S. Navy.  Married Sally Stenholm in South Bend, IN.   Active member of Holy Family Catholic Church where he was an usher, a choir member, and a charter member of the Holy Family Knights of Columbus Council No.13123   Employed by Sundstrand Corp. for over 15 years and was a substitute teacher and a soccer referee.  Active in boy scouting for almost 20 years where he had been a Webelos Leader, Scoutmaster, and Round Table Chairman.  He was also a volunteer for Festa Italiana for many years.  Lou had a very outgoing personality and enjoyed talking to everyone.  A man of multiple skills, he was a handyman extraordinaire and a talented car mechanic.  He had a very caring spirit and was always willing to help anyone who needed it.   Survivors include his wife, Sally, and he was the proud father of 5 Eagle Scouts, Gregory, Philip, Michael, Timothy, and Daniel.  All five sons are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  Also survived by his granddaughter, Lillianna Charlotte; mother, Mary; brothers, Frank (Barbara), Lawrence (Sandy), John (Susan), Mark (Sissy), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Predeceased by his father and sister-in-law, Shirley.   Funeral Mass at 11a.m. Monday, August 4, 2008 in Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Thomas E. Bales officiating.  Burial in Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation on Sunday from 3-6p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 South Mulford Rd, with a Christian Wake Service at 5:30p.m.  Visitation also from 10a.m. until time of the Mass at the church on Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts Blackhawk Area Council, Holy Family Catholic Church, or the Greater Rockford Italian American Association.  Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com