Stephen I. Springer, 89, World War II Veteran
Stephen I. Springer, 89, of Lorain, passed away Friday, May 16, 2008, at his residence following a brief illness.
Stephen was born February 13, 1919, in Lorain, and was a lifelong resident. He retired from LCCC where he was the director of physical plant and a self-employed inspector for Lorain Port Authority.
He was a very talented musician who enjoyed playing saxophone, clarinet and harmonica. He played in dance bands just about his whole life; one of his bands he played with was the "Senior Saxes."
Woodworking was another gift he had: making doll houses and the furniture out of hard wood and the doors and drawers opened and shut.
He was active in the Boy Scouts and received the Silver Beaver award. He supported and was involved with Lorain County Metro Parks and enjoyed taking hikes though the parks.
Stephen proudly served his country during World War II in the 5th Division U.S. Marine Corps in Iwo Jima from July 8, 1943, until Jan. 16, 1946, receiving the WWII Victory Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Asia-Pacific medal with Star and American Campaign Medal. He was a proud veteran and helped promote The Marine Corps WWII War Memorial in Washington, D.C. In 1995 he returned to Iwo Jima for his Fiftieth Reunion of Honors.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Florence Springer (nee Zlotnicki) of Lorain, whom he married Aug. 2, 1940; son, Mike (Vicky) Springer of Lorain; grandson, Darrell (Susan) Springer of Spotsylvania Va.; granddaughter, Susan Springer of Mentor; great-granddaughter, Savannah Springer of Spotsylvania, Va.; and great-grandson Tyler Springer of Spotsylvania, Va.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ignatius and Martha Springowski; brothers Teddy, Walter and John Springowski; sisters Frances Hornick and Anna Deptula; and daughter, Florence Ann Springer.
Friends may call Monday, May 19, 2008, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Wyers Funeral Chapel, 2900 North Ridge Road, Sheffield Township. The Rev. Chuck Henkle, of St. Peter Catholic Church in Lorain, will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where military honors will be conducted by V FW Thomas Mihalis Post 1079 of Elyria.
The family request no flowers be sent and contributions be made to the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, P. O. Box 998, Quantico, VA 22134-0998.
Online condolences can be sent to [email protected].