Paul Howard Spoerke: 1943 - 2008
Paul Howard Spoerke, 65, a resident of rural Columbia City and retired Columbia City postal clerk, died at 5:15 p. m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He had been in failing health since November.
Mr. Spoerke was born in Canton, Ohio on February 4, 1943, a son of Clarence J. and Renata (Buenzel) Spoerke. He moved to Columbia City as a youth with his parents, and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1961.
He later served with the U. S. Air Force, and was on active duty there until receiving a hardship discharge in order to return home and assist his mother in the operation of the Western Auto Store in Columbia City after his father had a paralyzing stroke. He continued in the Air Force Standby Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1970.
Employed by the U. S. Postal Service in Columbia City, he retired from there in 1998 after 33 years of service. He had also worked at the Shady Park Nursery in Columbia City, and had worked at the former Rochester Casket Company and for Plastic Veneering in Tunker.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and enjoyed making cabinets, furniture, and refinishing antique pieces for himself, friends, and relatives. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting arrowheads and occasional visits to the casino. Most importantly, Paul was always ready to help anyone in need.
He was married on November 2, 1968 in Columbia City to Bonnie (Burk) Coverstone. She survives.
Other surviving relatives include three step-sons Rex Coverstone and Jeffrey (Robyn) Coverstone, both of Columbia City, and Dennis Coverstone of Fort Wayne; a sister Elaine (Charles) Stanley of Columbia City; a brother Carl (Joy) Spoerke of Interlachen, Florida; seven step-grandchildren, three step-great grandchildren; four nieces, three nephews; 13 great nieces and nephews; and two great-great nephews.
Private graveside services with military honors will be held at South Whitley Cemetery at a later date. At the request of Mr. Spoerke, there will be no calling hours.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Humane Society of Whitley County, 951 S. Line St., Columbia City, IN 46725; or to Habitat for Humanity, 378-A N. Line St., P. O. Box 803, Columbia City, IN 46725.
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Spoerke’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
March 12th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Dear Bonnie and family,
We are saddened by Paul’s passing, but are assured that he is not in pain, and in a far better place!
Our Prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Rich and Linda Stayer
(Lee Stanley’s brother and sister-in-law)
March 12th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Bonnie and Family
Paul will always be remembered as a soft spoken kind and easy going man.He was always willing to help in anyway he could.I feel I have been blessed by having Paul as a friend.He will be missed by all who knew him.God only takes the best and I’m sure he took Paul.Thanks Paul for all the wonderful memories.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Sorry about Paul’s passing, Bonnie.
Let’s all praise the Lord..This soul’s going home in the sky. Let’s all praise the Lord…We’ll meet round this throne by and by.May there be great rejoicing in your loved one’s homegoing.
Peace and love, Nick and Mary McManama
March 13th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Dear Bonnie, I read with much sadness about Paul’s passing. I will always remember Paul as a gentle mand and a gentleman, always a sparkle in his eyes, and a sweet smile. You and Paul were quite a couple and I’m thankful for the years you had together. Blessings, Pat (Rubrake) Heinbaugh
March 14th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Bonnie and Family -
I’m sorry about Paul’s passing, but I’m sure he is in a better place. I’ve known Paul for years from the Post Office & Walker’s Confectionary. My husband worked with Rex at Fibre Form.
We will keep you in our paryers
Becky & Chuck Hyde
March 14th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Dear Bonnie,
I had the honor to enjoy a meal with you and Paul last fall just before he fell ill and at my parents 50th anniversary party. I always enjoyed his company
and I know my father Dean enjoyed all the years he worked with Paul at the post office. He will be missed. May your family find Gods peace during your mourning. Our prays go out to you and your family.
Alan Ramsey
March 14th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Dear Bonnie: Elmer always liked Paul so much. In fact, I think he helped Paul hide his car the day you were married. I know he would join me in sending his regards.
Vivian Mohler
March 19th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Dear Bonnie,
The Spoerke’s in our lives go way back before we were born, when our mother lived with Pauls folks and started dating our father. We grew up with them. It saddens us to see Paul leave us at the prime of his retierment. We will miss him. We send our blessings to you and your family. God Bless.
Love from all of us.
David, Alan, Pam, and Jon
March 22nd, 2008 at 12:36 am
Dear Bonnie and family,
Though we never knew Paul we have been connected to you as family from a distance and want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers these days. May the God of all comfort be your special portion. Our card is in the mail to you as well.
Love & prayers,
Fern & Dennis
March 23rd, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Dear Bonnie and family,
I will always cherish the short visit with you and Paul. I truly enjoyed having the opportunity to tour his workshop and having a brief opportunity to see his excellent craftsmanship.
Our love to you and your family during this bittersweet time. I’m sure Paul is finally at rest without pain.
Love, Dwight & Sue
March 28th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Dear Bonnie,
We don’t know each other personally but I feel I’ve known you for a long time since your son Denny is my best friend. My prayers go out to you and yours in this difficult time. I know you share the belief that Paul’s spirit has survived to a better existence and that you’ll share and reunite some day. My family and myself send you our sincere condolences at the passing of your dear Paul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Aunt Bonnie,
I was very young when we moved and I don’t remember my Uncle Paul. From what I have heard he will be greatly missed by all his loved ones. He is at peace and you are in our prayers.
Love Betty Jo and family
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
The memories that I have of Uncle Paul will always bring a smile to my face. It has been years since I last saw him but I feel his loss deeply. I really can’t put into words how much he meant to me, I regret that my children and my wife never got to meet him. Not much more to say than that…we will miss him.
Rick, Patricia, Shawn and Jesse Spoerke