Obituary of Spencer Thomas Stafstrom

Mr. Spencer Thomas Stafstrom, Sr. Spencer Thomas Stafstrom, Sr., 67, of Elsberry, MO passed away suddenly on Friday, April 20, 2012 at his home. Born May 23, 1944 in Duluth, MN he was the son of George and Elizabeth Harris Stafstrom. After high school he joined the United States Navy and began a 22 year stellar career in the military receiving numerous awards and recognitions during his service to his country. Highlights were the Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (three times) and Five Good Conduct Awards. After obtaining the rank of Senior Chief he was honorably discharged in 1985. He then began employment at the Normandy School District in the maintenance department where he worked for 21 years before retiring in 2006. Spencer enjoyed fishing, spending time at the river and life in the country with his family and friends. He was united in marriage on March 20, 1993 to the love of his life, Robin Lee Remmert at Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Denis Strafstrom and his in-laws, Wayne and Rose Remmert. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Robin Remmert-Stafstrom. He was blessed with three sons from his first marriage; Spencer T. Stafstrom Jr. and his wife, Susie Lynn, Darald Dean Stafstrom and William Shawn Stafstrom; one grandson, David Matthew Stafstrom, all of Bethalto, Illinois; one brother, George Stafstrom and wife, Nancy; and one sister Sherri Scalon and husband, Larry, all of Duluth, MN. Also, a brother-in-law, Ed Remmert and his wife, Gracie; and sister-in-law, Kim Jones and her husband, Tracey, all of Elsberry; six special nieces, Melissa, Nichole, Natalie, Brystal, Lillie and Tiffany; two special nephews, Mark and Travis; and other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Elsberry Assembly of God Church at 11:00am. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until time of service. Spencer's final request was that his ashes be spread over the ocean symbolizing the many years he spent sailing the waters. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Elsberry Assembly of God Church or Star Hope Baptist Church in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home; 107 South Fifth Street; Elsberry, MO 63343.