Deacon Arthur Spenner

Arthur John Spenner, born October 26, 1934, in Beemer, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at Cottonwood Assisted Living in Columbus, Nebraska.

A graduate of Beemer High School in 1952, Arthur served his country with distinction in the United States Navy as a flight engineer. While stationed in Naples, Italy, he married Maria Grasso on December 13, 1956, beginning a lifelong love story. Arthur eventually settled in Columbus, Nebraska.

In Columbus, Arthur co-owned Torin Products with Thomas Bernstein Sr., building a successful career. His faith and dedication to the community were unwavering. As a Deacon for St. Bonaventure Catholic Church from 1979 to 2019, he officiated countless weddings, funerals, wakes, and baptisms and participated in Perpetual Adoration for many years.

Arthur's commitment to service extended beyond the church. He was instrumental in forming the CART organization alongside Curt Alms, spending 22 years securing trail grants and placing trail stones for the community's enjoyment. In recognition of his efforts, he received the Columbus Rotary Club's "Service Above Self" Award in 2022. He also volunteered extensively with PVLA as a tutor, classroom assistant, board member, and event organizer. His dedication helped four citizenship students successfully pass their naturalization tests.

Arthur was a farmer at heart and a lover of birds and nature who traveled the world. Above all else, he cherished his role as a family man.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Maria (1991), son Anthony Spenner (2008), and daughter Margaret Minchow (2016). He is survived by his brother Bernard Spenner (Pam) of Georgetown, TX and sister Martha Kluthe of Grand Island, NE; children Carl Spenner (Debbie) of Bennington, NE; Anne Spenner (Keith Hastings) of St. Charles, IL; Patricia Baker (Scott Baker) of Hilton Head Island, SC; and Joseph Spenner (Debbie Lordeman) of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren: Brooke Cohen, Dr. Elliott Spenner, Chelsea Spenner, Phillip Spenner, Kaemon Hastings, Karson Hastings, Lauren Baker, Kristen Baker, Noel Minchow, Nathan Minchow and Olivia Minchow; and three great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 31, from 2:00–4:00 p.m., followed by a vigil service at 4:00 p.m., all at the church. Visitation continues Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Burial with Military Honors by The American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.