Dr. Berl Warner Spencer

Dr. Berl W. Spencer, 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather and longtime family physician in Ogallala, went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, after a lengthy illness, at the Englewood Meridian Retirement Home of Englewood, Colorado.

Berl Warner Spencer was born January 27, 1935, in Broken Bow, Nebr., the son of Lowell and Ida (Worm) Spencer. He attended Broken Bow public schools and was in Kindergarten when he first met his future bride, Barbara Thurman. Berl was a gifted athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track during all four years at Broken Bow High School. After graduating in 1953, Berl attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and played one season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Turning his attention to the study of medicine, he transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (Kearney State), which culminated with his graduation from the University of Nebraska, School of Medicine.

On August 28, 1955, Berl was united in marriage to Barbara Thurman in Broken Bow, NE. They resided in Omaha until 1961, when they moved to Ogallala and Dr. Spencer began his medical practice. He was a family physician at the Ogallala Medical Clinic and was active on the board of the Ogallala Community Hospital. After Dr. Spencer's retirement, Berl and Barbara moved to Englewood.

Dr. Spencer was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska. He served as a captain in the Nebraska Army National Guard from 1963 to 1970. He served as a member of the Ogallala School Board and was active in numerous civic and medical organizations. He was a member of the Ogallala Elks Lodge. He was an avid snow skier for much of his life and was a regular in the stands for many years at Cornhusker home football games. Dr. Spencer will be remembered for his love of family and his dedication to the community and his patients.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and two brothers: Howard Spencer and Dr. Lowell Spencer, Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years Barbara Spencer of Englewood, CO, two daughters: Shannon Goertz of Englewood, CO; Stacia (Steve) Walz of Denver, CO; and a son Stuart (Deborah) Spencer of Tulsa, OK.

Also seven grandchildren: Philip Spencer of Dallas, TX; Sam Goertz of Englewood, CO;  Grant and Stephen Spencer, both of Stillwater, OK; Edan Parker and Libby Goertz, both of Fort Collins, CO; and Olivia Parker of Denver, CO.

The memorial service will be Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m. in the Ogallala First United Methodist Church. Rev. Chuck Rager and Vicar JA Welsh will officiate. The service will be streamed live from the United Methodist Church website (www.methodistchurchogallala.com) for those unable to attend. Inurnment in the Ogallala Cemetery will follow. Memorials are directed to the Keith County Community Foundation or St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Ogallala.  

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