Grandpa's Obituary

Bryce E. Spence, 84, of Sioux City died Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, at Holy Spirit Retirement Community following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease.Memorial services will be 10:45 a.m. Friday at Holy Spirit Retirement Home Chapel, with the Rev. Dennis Meinen officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Army Reserves. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a Scriptural wake service at 7 p.m., at Holy Spirit Retirement Home Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Bryce was born Oct. 28, 1923, in Smithland, Iowa, the son of Ward and Gladys (Young) Spence. He grew up in Sioux City and graduated from Central High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.He married Elizabeth Shakley on Nov. 20, 1943, in Alexandria, Va. She died March 19, 1996, in Sioux City. He worked for Roberts Dairy, delivering milk, for 28 years. He drove for All American Freight for six years.

He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 710 for 58 years. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for 50 years. He was an Explorer Scout leader for several years. He was an avid bowler and hunter. He enjoyed dancing. He was a loving father and grandfather.

Survivors include eight children, Michael Spence and his wife, Evelyn of Huntington, Beach, Calif., Steve Spence of Medford, Ore., Kate Ritchie of Sioux City, Richard Spence of Rockwell City, Iowa, Paul Spence of Lakefield, Minn., Anne and her husband, Donald Kovacs of Colorado Springs, Colo., Kirk Spence of Washington, D.C., and Stormy and her husband, Kevin Poss of Sioux City; a daughter-in-law, Gwen Spence of Fort Mill, S.C.; a sister, Verna Vannoy of Houston, Texas; 30 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, Kevin; two grandsons, Cullie and Jarred; two daughters-in-law, Holly and Lan; two brothers; and a sister.Pallbearers will be Michael, Steve, Richard, Paul and Kirk Spence, Donald Kovacs and Kevin Poss.