Bill Spohn
On Sept. 23, 2020, an icon of a man died and was summoned to return to his eternal family. William Frank Spohn was born March 15, 1948.
Papa Bill touched so many in his 72 years and will be missed by all. His stories and laugh were monumental and will remain in our hearts forever. Papa Bill was a very educated man and shared his knowledge with all who were willing to listen.
In his younger years, he worked at Highline Electric Association and taught hunter education. He felt it an honor to serve on the school board in Holyoke and was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. He appreciated the opportunity to offer service to his community. Papa Bill enjoyed hunting and shared many experiences with his daughters and family members. As his family grew, he extended his passion to his grandchildren.
He also had a knack for striking up conversations; he made a great amount of friends with his ability to converse wherever he was. Friends to this day recall their meetings and how his outgoing way contributed to an acquaintance. He had been blessed with an amazing family of people who loved him dearly and who will hold his memories close to them forever.
He had a witty sense of humor and was quick at throwing out puns at every opportunity. Papa Bill shared many humorous and knowledgeable stories with his friends, family and tribe. There aren’t enough words to describe the laughter from him that followed.
Among the many he is survived by, his remaining daughter, Stephanie Jo Spohn, will miss him the most. Also sharing great memories of him are his siblings, Donna Lutze and Bob Spohn, and sister-in-law, Lona McAllister. Nearest and dearest to his heart were his three grandchildren, Jay William Spohn, Drake Edward McNally-Spohn and Dylan Marie Spohn. He also touched a numerous amount of cousins, nephews and nieces. His extended family, who thought of him as a father, include Brianne Danielson, Tobi Lynn Payne and the many members of his adoptive tribe.
Those he was preceded in death by include his wife, Linda Marie Nelson-Spohn; daughter, Samantha Joy Spohn-McNally; parents, Fred Spohn and Minnie C. Schrage-Spohn; and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Spohn.
Papa Bill was a man of many traditions that will be carried on throughout the generations. He always looked forward to the first snowfall so he could enjoy the smell and flavor of Linda’s homemade red chili. The opening day of the hunt, whether it was with his girls or just the guys, included a large thermos of preferred beverage and many tales afterward.
Broncos game days would turn him into a gambling man if cookies, ice cream or toffee were on the table. The most recent and favored tradition Papa Bill enjoyed was the newly established Sunday family dinner. He would share that the best part of his day was sitting at dinner with his family.
He was such a great man of encouraging words and passion for those around him. He was also a strong man and triumphed in his life and what he instilled in his family. He relished in supporting and teaching his children and grandchildren when it came to their interests. He always encouraged his daughter and constantly reminded her how proud he was of her.
Papa Bill gave all the knowledge and experiences he had in hunting with his oldest grandson. When it came to his second grandson’s interest and talents in sports, Papa Bill cheered the loudest, talked the longest and gave him all the support and interest one could only dream of. He spent a great deal of time with his only granddaughter, teaching her about cooking and allowing her to try any of her creations out on him. He always did so with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. In her words, “he brought out the best in everyone.”
Papa Bill would not want us to feel sorrow in his departure. He would be encouraging us to celebrate him. When the opportunities arise, take a moment to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. Sit in the sun and absorb its warmth. For he was the sunshine in so many lives. Feel his embrace as the rays touch your skin, close your eyes and smile for him. And if/when the Broncos score, cheer a little louder for him.
Martin Mortuary in Grand Junction has been entrusted with the arrangements.