Joseph "Joe" Richard Spehar

Joe “Finn” Spehar, age 78, of Eagar Arizona, passed away peacefully, Friday, November 18, 2022. Joe was born on September 11, 1944 in Virginia, Minnesota to Joseph John Spehar and Eleanor Euphemia Samppala Spehar

Joe joined the Army in 1962 and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1965. Joe then attended The University of Minnesota where he studied Forestry. He graduated in 1971 and began his 30 year forest service career. He married Bonnie Sorensen in 1969. They had two children, Scott in 1973 and Teri in 1975.

Throughout his forestry career Joe and his family lived in various towns in New Mexico, Montana and Arizona where he retired in 2001. Throughout his life Joe enjoyed fishing and hunting turkey, dove, quail, duck, javelina, deer, bear and elk. Joe went from filling the freezer with elk and deer to filling it with water bottles full of colored ice to shoot at the “thunder pit” with the grandsons. He spent many nights around the campfire, (usually bonfires) with his brother and son in Arizona and hunting buddies in Montana. Joe and Bonnie enjoyed visiting the Desert Museum, Boyce Thompson Arboretum and trips to meet the extended family in Laughlin. Joe would happily open “Dad’s Lunch Counter” for Teri Jo when she would come home for lunch.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Eleanor and brother-in-law, Paul.

Joe is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bonnie, son, Scott, daughter, Teri, grandsons, Dominic and Hunter, brother, John “Ace” (Karen), sisters-in-law, Janice (Armand) and Barb as well as many other extended family and friends.

Joe will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As per his wishes, there will be no service.

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