Robert D. Spencer, 85, of Iron Mountain, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at ManorCare Health Services, Kingsford, Mich. where during his brief stay he endeared many of his kind caregivers.

He was born May 27, 1930, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Emerson and Alvina (Peterson) Spencer.

Robert was a life-long resident of the Lake Antoine area. He graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and participated in various graduate programs at Northern Michigan University, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, Superior, and the University of Wisconsin, Marinette.

He was a business teacher for two years in Oconto Falls, Wis., and later taught business at Crivitz High School in Crivitz, Wis. Robert loved his teaching job and enjoyed his students even more, and has maintained many close friendships with some of those students and their families over the years. During the summers, he resided at his Lake Antoine home and worked as a lifeguard at the Lake Antoine Park. He took great pleasure in helping kids of all ages learn to swim and enjoyed watching them progress into expert swimmers. After retiring from his teaching career, he returned to the local area to enjoy his Lake Antoine residence where he could be seen on most days out for a jog or working in his well-manicured yard.

Robert was a car enthusiast and had many interesting experiences with older model cars. Several years ago he purchased a 1939 Mercury convertible that was pristine in every aspect. In 1964, the Lincoln Mercury Division of the Ford Motor Company celebrated their 25 year anniversary. Unfortunately for Lincoln-Mercury, the luxury division did not have in their possession a 1939 Mercury convertible. That prompted a nationwide search of all registered 1939 Mercury convertibles and it was discovered Robert had the only registered and running 1939 Mercury convertible in the country. The company approached him and offered to purchase the vehicle but he did not have the heart to part with his beloved beauty. However, he respected the value of giving and wanted to share this rare jewel with other car lovers, so he agreed to rent it to the company for three months. The convertible was shown all over the United States during the 1964 Dealers Anniversary celebration and many of the dealerships were in awe of this beauty and each wanted it to adorn their showrooms. Robert was later approached by the company and after reconsidering, agreed to let the company purchase the convertible to be kept in their archives forevermore.

For many years, he was also the proud owner of a 1985 Lincoln Continental before selling the vehicle to a collector of fine automobiles from California. The new owner and his wife drove the car from Wisconsin to California and later reflected to Robert that it was their best road trip ever! The Lincoln Continental won first place at the Western Lincoln Meet for year and model, and also won first place for an eight year model period.

He is survived by his younger brother, Lee Douglas Spencer and sister-in-law, Dorothy Caldon-Spencer, Iron Mountain; two nephews, Steven Spencer and Dale Spencer, both of Iron Mountain, three nieces, Debbie Spencer (Fred) Huber, De Pere, Wis., Marsha Spencer (Steve) Conery, Kingsford and Pam Spencer-McCandless, Quinnesec, Mich. and many great nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson and Alvina Peterson-Spencer, who were also life-long residents of the community.

He wishes to thank his many good friends for all their support and friendship, especially Marvin and Margie Aliva, Bert and Winona Moore, Joe and Margaret Sundstrom, his Barber, Blackie Lombardini, John Hanges, and Frank Schinderle. Robert would also like to thank his brother, Doug, for all the laughs, the love, the many memories, and the life-long friendship that he will hold dear forever.

In accordance with his wishes, private family visitation and services will be held by immediate family.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Robert, or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain to honor Robert’s Legacy of Life.