Russell Harry Spilker
November 15, 2004

Russell Harry Spilker,age 93, died Monday, November 15, 2004 at 12:15 pm in the Good Samaritan Home where he moved after residing at 2018 Madison for 60 years.

He was born February 15, 1911 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of George Phillip and Emma Hannah Stackelbach Spilker. He was a lifelong resident of Quincy, attending the Quincy schools and being a member of Salem Evangelical United Church of Christ where he served as an Undershepherd. From paperboy to Composing Room Foreman, "Ozzie" was employed by the Quincy Herald Whig for over 50 years.

On June 15, 1936, he married Mary F. Getz in Quincy. She preceded him in death on April 18, 1996. An infant son Stephen Edward Spilker as well as his siblings Marian Spilker, Gladys Miskell, Ruth Walker, Robert Spilker, George Spilker and Art Spilker also preceded him in death.

Russell was a member of the Central Illinois Typographical Union, and a member of the Communication Workers of America #177. Russell was very active throughout his life in the Quincy community. He was a charter member of the Jaycees where he held various offices, from secretary to state director. He was named Jaycee of the Year in 1946 and continued his relationship with this organization during his senior years with the Exhausted Roosters. He was also a charter member of the Young Business Club, where he also held various positions. As a member of the Quincy Park District Board, Russell was one of the people instrumental in establishing Westview Golf Course, and he had an annual pass since the golf course opened. Other organizations that Russell enjoyed being involved in were: South Side Boat Club for 30 years, Friends of the Castle for 20 years, German Village Society, Mart Heinen Club, National Council of Senior Citizens, Great River Genealogical Society, and the City of Quincy Traffic Commission for 25 years.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Kathy Joyce, Keokuk, IA; Ann VanLeeuwen and her husband Ed, Leavenworth, KS; Trudy Dreier and her husband Jerry, Quincy; 10 grandchildren, Mike Joyce and his wife Debby, Katie Joyce, Kelly Joyce Addison and her husband Jeff, Mark Joyce and his wife Christy, Douglass VanLeeuwen and his wife Christi, Thad VanLeeuwen, Alex VanLeeuwen, Brian Dreier and his wife Dana, Sara Dreier Baker and her husband Deon, and Vince Dreier, 9 great grandchildren, and a sister-in-law, Helen Spilker, Baltimore, MD and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 10:30 am in Salem Evangelical United Church of Christ, Rev. Wanda Seydel officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Care Unit at the Good Samaritan Home, Salem Evangelical United Church of Christ, or St. Mary's Catholic Church. Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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