Spanjers, Leonard (Lenny) Raymond, 89, died peacefully of natural causes Friday, February 10, 2017, at Essex Nursing Home.
He leaves his wife Glenda (Clark) Spanjers; and their children, Kelly, Donetta, Mary, Shane, Summer, Ashlee, Robert, Kara Jo, Thomas, Micah, Daniel, Jeffrey, Joseph, Jakeb, Nicole, Stephen, Lennie Rose ; and many grandchildren; and great grandchildren.
He was born in Racine, Wisconsin on October 22, 1927, and preceeded in death by his parents, Raymond and Greta (Verwey) Spanjers; along with three siblings, Bertha (Rademacher), John, and Raymond (Butch) Spanjers.
After graduating from St. Catherine's High in 1945, he went into the Seminary in 1946, and joined the Glenmary Missioners of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1950, where he was ordained a Priest in 1954 and became know to everyone as 'Father Lenny'. He received a Masters Degree in Eduacation and lived a life of service to others as a counselor, teacher, and father, and served as a missionary to the people of Dahlonega in the mountains of Georgia while in the Priesthood. After his service with Glenmary, he chose to carry on the Lord's work by marrying and raising many children. He met his wife Glenda Hamilton at a dance and they were married in 1985. Together they were loving parents to over 30 foster children. He was a Great Father to many.
Lenny was Dutch and had many living relatives in Holland whom he visited, and loved to travel the backroads of America. He was an avid sports fan and runner, and received an award in Germany for a race he won. He had a great voice, loved music and dancing, and would break into song frequently. Lenny had a dry sense of humor and laughed often, but most of all he loved children, saw their talents, and brought out the best in them. His Christlike life was an example to everyone. He personified the saintly virtues of kindness, patience, generosity, joyfulness and wisdom. He will always be remembered for his spiritual selflessness and faith in God which was his strength and core of love, that subtley radiated from his warm and humble personality. He was a Great Soul.
A funeral Mass will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4005 Dixie Highway.
Visitation will be 2:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway.
A special thanks to all the staff at Essex Nursing Home for their loving care.
Memorial Gifts to the family c/o Owen Funeral Home.