Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
MIDGENE SPATZ
The family of Midgene Bjorklund Spatz, who passed away March 23, 2018, celebrates and gives thanks for her long life as a loving and committed educator, wife, mother, grandmother, initiator and activist. Born August 14, 1931, in Minneapolis, to the Reverend Victor Theodore Bjorklund and Olive Alvina Johnson Bjorklund, and siblings, all surviving, are Harold Raymond Bjorklund, Penelope Carol Pursell and Marvin Theodore Bjorklund. Midgene earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and English from Arizona State University and worked as a teacher with Native American children. She later earned her Master of Education in Special Education from UNLV and worked with homebound and preschool children. Lover of art, music and culture with a passion for experience, Midgene was an extensive world traveler. She met the Reverend Karl E. Spatz in Wiesbaden, Germany, where they married in 1963 and began their life together. Eventually they relocated to McAlester, Oklahoma, and, in 1970, to Las Vegas, with sons, Christopher and Jonathan. Midgene was deeply devoted to Christ Church Episcopal, including many years singing in the choir and routinely outdid herself as the consummate host. Karl departed this life March 10, 1996. Midgene dedicated herself wholeheartedly to working and demonstrating with, praying with and financially supporting local, national and international organizations involved with peace, social justice and equality, issues of nuclear weapons and energy, conservation and sustainability (this, admittedly, a vast understatement). She was ever vigilant to injustice, large and small and often carried what she called "Jesus water," bottled water with a dollar bill attached, to share with homeless people she might encounter. Though a self-described introvert, Midgene was outgoing and dynamic, touching countless lives in ways that cannot be measured, and will be missed by all who knew her. Midgene is survived by her children, Christopher Marcus Spatz and Larry Loran Davis of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Jonathan Andrew Spatz and Tammy Lynn Spatz of Henderson; granddaughters, Amanda Nicole Spatz and Emily Madison Spatz; and a loving and faithful extended family. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at Christ Church Episcopal, 2000 Maryland Parkway, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Epicenter on the Parkway. Harold Ray “Hal” Williams passed away March 16, 2018, at age 68. He was born October 1, 1949, in Sylva, North Carolina. Hal was in the first Clark County Fire Department Paramedic Class, served as first President of the Paramedic association and was charter and founding member of the Firefighter Union. In California, he served as President of the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce. The stories go on. He leaves behind his wife and soulmate of 42 years, Mary; their son, Joseph Burton, and daughter, Sarah Ann; and from previous marriage, son, Noel Lee, and daughter, Rachel Ann Taylor. “May God Bless Us All until we meet again.” Celebration of his life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the Firefighters Union Hall, 6200 W. Charleston Blvd. Potluck will follow as we break bread together in his honor.