Rev. Warren G Spellman Obituary (1924

In Loving Memory Of Warren G. Spellman Warren Glenn Spellman was born May 6, 1924, on a farm near Martell, Nebraska, the first child of William C. and Esther (Sittler) Spellman and passed away Monday, June 13, 2011, at Memorial Community Care in Aurora at the age of 87. As a young boy, Warren attended School District #30 and later graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1942. He furthered his education by attending Nebraska Wesleyan University, graduating in 1949. Warren enrolled at Garrett Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, IL where he received his Master of Divinity Degree in 1953. While in college, Warren served the Lakeview United Methodist Church and while in seminary served the Seneca, IL, United Methodist Church. On October 6, 1946, he was united in marriage to Martha Josephine "Jo" Cooper in Falls City, Nebraska and to this union three daughters were born, Patricia, who died at birth, Linda and Jeannette. Warren served as pastor in Wauneta, Grant and Valentine and was an associate pastor at North Platte. He continued his ministry at Syracuse-Unadilla, Alma-Huntley, Plainview and Crawford-Valley. Warren retired in 1989 and moved to Milford where he was active in volunteer work. He was a member of the United Methodist Conference and served in many ways, including District Youth Director, member of the Nebraska Wesleyan Board of Trustees, Conference Trustees Board of Ministry and Board of Pensions. He was also a member of the Milford Masonic Lodge #30, AF&AM and Order of Eastern Star Blue River Chapter #132. In his spare time Warren enjoyed woodworking, working with flowers, as well as hunting, fishing, golf and most of all spending time with his family. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Don Seifried of Sargent, NE, Jeannette and Jim Shelbourn, Valentine, NE; four grandchildren and spouses, Steve Shelbourn, Valentine, Wayne and Jane Shelbourn, all of Valentine, Donald G. and Shawnel Seifried, Clive, IA, Sheri and Dana Thompson, Aurora, NE. Warren is survived by five great-grandsons, Ty and Jess Shelbourn, Valentine, Drew and Carter Thompson, Aurora, Mason Seifried, Clive, IA, and three great-granddaughters, Avery Seifried, Clive, IA, Mya and Ruby Rose Shelbourn, both of Valentine, a brother-in-law, Clyde Carlson, Martell, NE, a sister-in-law, Betty Cooper, Burlington, IA, nieces, Kathy Cooper, Des Moines, IA, Kathy Carlson, of MN and a nephew and spouse, Charles and Laura Cooper of MO. Warren was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Martha Jo, his daughter, Patricia, a sister, Genevieve Carlson, a niece, Carol Carlson and a brother-in-law, Tom Cooper. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 17, 2011, at Aurora United Methodist Church with Rev. Cole Fowler, Rev. Mary Scott and Rev. Michael Curd officiating. Luncheon to immediately follow services at the church followed by interment of ashes at 2:00 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Park, Lincoln. Memorials have been established to the Warren and Martha Spellman Scholarship Fund in care of Don and Linda Seifried, Box 308, Sargent, NE 68874. The organist was Mandy West. The soloist Duane Christiansen, accompanied by Shirley Hetrick sang "The Lord's Prayer" and "The Old Rugged Cross". Honorary Pallbearers were all of Warren's grandchildren and great-grandchildren.