Albert W. "Al" Spitz

Albert W. "Al" Spitz, age 93, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully on Friday evening, August 7, 2020 at the Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence. He was born in Richland County's Claremont, Illinois on August 21, 1926 to Henry and Cecelia (Kapper) Spitz. Al faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. He retired from Sears in 1993 as a decorator consultant and had previously worked as a sales rep. for Crown Cortright Paper Co.

Al married Mary H. Cull at St. Philip Catholic Church, Battle Creek on July 12, 1952. He is survived by his wife of more than 68 years, Mary; his children, Anne Bernard, Gerard (Diana) Spitz, Chris (Tim) Lozier, Angela (Steve) Ziegler, Julia Hurst, and Lisa Woolfolk; his grandchildren, Heather Bernard, Jacob Spitz, Jesse, Michael & James Lozier, Chelcie Ziegler, Phil Hurst III., Emily Hurst, Jordan & Drew Phillips, Nathan Brandt, and Morgan Woolfolk; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles Spitz; and several nieces & nephews. Al was preceded in death by his parents; and ten brothers & sisters, Anthony & Gilbert Spitz, Birgitta Richie, Emanual, Verner, Bernadine, Herman, Oswin & Joseph Spitz, and Coletta Volk.

Al was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church, Battle Creek for more than 60 years where he has served as Lector, Usher, Eucharistic Minister & Cub Scout Master. He was also a honorary life-member of the Knights of Columbus #575, and member of Burnham Brook & a volunteer client friend for Summit Pointe.

Al was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved music and dancing, and his monthly lunches with his wife and friends as well as bus trips with them. He also enjoyed attending travelogue programs and symphony concerts, and traveling throughout Europe. His greatest joy was his large family.

Al will be remembered for his love of nature and of adventure, which included 2-week family trips every summer. Most trips involved visits to historical sites around the U.S. but always included stays at hotels with swimming pools! He will most definitely be remembered for the many loving moments he spent on the porch swing with his wife at Central Street. His children will always cherish his serenades to them during their times on the swing as young kids. Al helped give his family a firm faith foundation. This faith, along with his love of nature, and adventurous spirit continues to live on in his children.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Due to current government regulations a by invitation only Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 13, 2020 at the St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Entombment with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip Catholic Church, 112 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017 and to the Salesian Missions, 2 LeFevre Ln., P.O. Box 30, New Rochelle, NY 10802-0030. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.