Spencer Rees

Spencer C. Rees, age “79.9”, of Sugar Grove, formerly of Aurora, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, on Monday, October 9, 2017.
He was born in Aurora, IL, on October 15, 1937, to proud parents, Leo and Hazel (Clark) Rees.
Spence graduated from East Aurora High School with the class of 1955 and promptly answered the call of his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force. After serving overseas, he returned to civilian life in 1960, when he was honorably discharged.Spence married the love of his life, Mary Ann Mathews, on March 7, 1964, in Aurora, IL. Spence worked as a mechanical engineer for several companies over the years, including Thor, Flight Visions but most of his career was spent with WEN Products. Retirement never really stuck with Spence. Technically, he retired several times, but he always returned to his loving family. Spence was an avid WWII Memorabilia Collector and volunteered at the Air Classics Museum located in Sugar Grove. He shared his passion with his family, taking vacations to various museums. These trips always included classic pictures of his children next to numerous bombs. It never failed to bring a smile to his face. In his younger years, he took classes at Champion Karate Studio and taught Women’s Self Defense class. Spence’s heart was never full unless he had at least one dog, sometimes several. Most recently it was Millie, a Bassett Hound, who became his “nap buddy”, a cross she was only too happy to bear. The beginning of the day featured the family huddled with their coffee or tea and sharing their plans for the day. The sunset always promised a good cigar and a “small” glass of cognac, a time he was more than happy to share with his family as well. Countless jokes, laughter, good times and a fair share of tears will be cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 53.5 years, Mary Ann Rees; one daughter, Kellie (David) Blankenship; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren (with one on the way); one brother, Jeffery (Linda) Rees; many nieces, nephews, “in-laws” and “out-laws”, and a family of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Hazel Rees and one daughter, Traci Ginther Fahlmark.Visitation will be October 13 from 5-6 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m., at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, 176 S. Main St., Sugar Grove, IL. Rev. CheonEui Oh, pastor of the church, will officiate. Private family interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Air Classics Museum , 44W546 US Rt. 30, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 or to Sugar Grove United Methodist Church , 176 S. Main Street, Sugar Grove, IL. Tributes may be forwarded to the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or see Spencer’s full life story at www.conleycare.com.

A memorial service to follow October 13 at 6 p.m., at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, 176 S. Main St., Sugar Grove, IL. Rev. CheonEui Oh, pastor of the church, will officiate.

Visitation will be on October 13 from 5-6 p.m., at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, 176 S. Main St., Sugar Grove, IL. Rev. CheonEui Oh, pastor of the church, will officiate.

Private family interment will follow at a later date.