Earl Gilbert Spalo's Obituary
Big Rapids - Earl G. Spalo, 68, of Bitely, passed away Friday, June 23, 2017, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital. He was born on April 20, 1949, in Reed City, the son of Lewis and Dorothy (Ripley) Spalo, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1968. For several years, Earl worked with his father in the logging business. When Earl was elected as the Home Township Supervisor, he went to school to become a property tax assessor. For many years, he served as the Assessor for Home, Merrill, Green, and Chippewa Townships locally, as well as several other townships. Earl was a member of and served on the board at the Bitely Community Church. An avid hunter, Earl was a member of the National Rifle Association and the North America Hunting Club. Earl was a devoted husband, and a loving father and grandfather who cherished his children and told them he was very proud of them. A man of integrity, Earl's word was his bond, and he will be missed by many who called him Friend. On June 8, 1974, he married Kay Arlene Rose, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Andrew (Jessica) Spalo of Hersey, Rebecca (Cole) Spalo of Bitely, and Matthew (Brittany) Spalo of Hersey; 3 grandchildren, Wyatt, Jaylin, and Kaydin, and one more on the way; his brother Gary (Jackie) of Ortonville; his sister Doralee Tinkham of Hesperia; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastors Lucky Fulton and Ken Lyon officiating. Earl's family will greet friends at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to either the Bitely Community Church or Amazing Grace Acres Church in Bitely, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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