George R. Spack, Sr.,

SALEM - George R. Spack, Sr., 97, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2024, at the home of his living companion and primary caregiver, Mary Lou Weingart.

George was born July 5, 1926, the third of ten children born to the late John and Sophia (Arbogast) Spack. Growing up on the family farm taught him a lesson he never forgot ­­– the value of hard work. Following his graduation from Salem High School in 1944, George served his country in the U.S. Army while stationed in the Philippines and Japan from October 1944 to November 1946. On Oct. 16, 1948, he married Geraldine (Gerry) L. Baker, with whom he had two children, George and Sharon, both of Salem.

He was a self-employed home improvement contractor known for his excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. He was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, a 50-year member and 25-year president of Salem Saxon Lodge #19, and an active member of the Salem Saxon Retirees. He particularly enjoyed listening and dancing to polka bands and participated in several overnight bus trips with other polka enthusiasts.

George was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Gerry; brothers, John, Michael, Carl, Walter, and Henry Spack; sister, Catherine Sanor; and long-time companion, Dorothy McLane. Survivors include his two children, George Jr., and Sharon; brother, Paul Spack of Florida; sisters, Helen Aeling of Minerva and Dorothy Hahn of Sebring; the aforementioned Ms. Weingart; and several nieces and nephews.

The life of this beloved child of God, who was saved by grace, will be celebrated at a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Dawn Richie officiating.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Stark Memorial and 10:00-11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church before the funeral. Military honors will be provided by the Salem Honor Guard prior to burial at Grandview Cemetery in Salem. A luncheon will follow at Emmanuel Lutheran’s Education Building.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 251 South Broadway, Salem, Ohio 44460; Salem Saxon Club Scholarship Fund, 1980 Newgarden Road, Salem, Ohio 44460; or Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 E. State St., Salem, Ohio 44460.

The family wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the caregivers provided by the Veterans Administration, Visiting Angels, Cornerstone Caregiving, and Patriot Hospice for their many acts of love, compassion, and support these last few weeks. You are all blessings from God, who gives us victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ!

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Spack Sr.'s obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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