Spenler, Lenard 'Len'

Lenard “Len” Spenler, 88, longtime Iowa City resident, died Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013, at the Solon Nursing Care Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, where visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Lenard's memory to Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Lenard was born Oct. 31, 1924, in Wood River, Neb., the son of Chris and Anna (Beller) Spenler. He was united in marriage to Anita M. Kennel on Aug. 19, 1953, at the Danforth Chapel in Iowa City. During the conclusion of World War II and through the Korean conflict Lenard served in the United States Army. In 1957, Lenard established Spenler Tire Service in Iowa City. He continued to own and operate this until his retirement in 1983.

He was a member of both the National and Iowa Tire Dealers associations, past president of the Booster Club, member of the Elks Club, and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Lenard was honored by the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce with the Volunteer of the Year award in 1983, recognizing his willingness to help those in need. He and Anita were founding members of Faith United Church in 1957. Lenard loved his life; he enjoyed his business, taking care of many customers and friends over the years. He and Anita were able to winter in Orange Beach, Ala., for many years after his retirement. Golf was his favorite four letter word, he just couldn't get enough time on the course he would insist! He was proud of his collection of old cars and tractors; often you might see him driving around town in his Model T. But most of all, he loved his family and dear friends. For years they owned a boat, and this is where the family would be found in their free moments, many great memories were made on the boat! He and Anita, when living on Melrose Avenue near Kinnick Stadium, were often the host of tailgating parties long before it became popular, with many family, friends and visitors cheering the Hawks on.

His family includes his wife of 60 years, Anita; children, Barbara Malek (John) of Omaha, Neb., Steve Spenler (Laurie) of Iowa City, Larry Spenler of San Francisco, Calif., and Loren Spenler (Kathy) of Chanhessen, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Dorothy Doehrman of Iowa City.

Lenard was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Helen Spenler and Idella Stahl; and three brothers, Roy, Vernon and Norman Spenler.

Lenard's family would like to thank all the staff at Solon Nursing Care Center for their compassionate and excellent care of Lenard in his final days!

Published Sept. 3, 2013 in The Gazette