Howard R Spoerl, 75, of Defiance, passed away surrounded by his loving wife, two daughters and sons in law, son, granddaughters and grandsons on Thursday morning, July 11, 2013 at Laurels of Defiance.

He was born on July 25, 1937 to George and Opal (Steinhart) Spoerl in Wood County, OH.

On November 10, 1957 he married Paula (Wilson) Spoerl.

Howard was a member of St. John's Catholic Church where he served as usher & lecter.  He also distributed communion.  Howard sold cars at Beckman Chevy 15 years retiring in 2005.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, life member of the Lions Club, Defiance where he was chairman of Sight Conservation committee.  He was a White tractor implement dealer & farmer in Wood Co. and worked for Modern Woodman of America.  Howard enjoyed playing bingo, poker and camping.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Paula, sons, Steven (Mary Lou) Spoerl of St. Charles, IL, David (Terry) Spoerl of St. Charles, IL, daughters, Kelli (Dennis) Butcher of Geneva, IL, Elissa (Craig) Crigger of Defiance, 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, brother, Paul (Joanne) Spoerl of Weston, sisters, Donna Jean (David) Eckel of Bowling Green, Barbara (Dennis) Lehman of Bowling Green, and Janet (Bill) Doane of Lexington, MA.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2013, at Schaffer Funeral  Home, Defiance, with Father Todd Dominique officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2013 prior to the 11:00 a.m. service at the funeral home.

The family suggest memorials be made to Laurels of Defiance activity fund.