SARAH A. SPITZER

Sarah ‘Sally’ Agnes (Hamilton) Spitzer, 93, Burlington, died peacefully April 26, 2013, at Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington. She was born Dec. 17, 1919, to the late Robert and Sarah (Lainge) Hamilton of Westfield. Her early life was spent on the Hamilton homestead farm located in the Russell flats area outside of Westfield. After graduating from high school she attended UW– Madison as a home economics major.

On May 30, 1943, she married Eugene Henry Spitzer in a double wedding with her eldest sister Mable and Emil Mueller. The ceremony was held at the Pres House on the UW Campus.

After the birth of her daughter and first son, Sally’s husband was stationed in Europe as a nutrition officer by the U.S. Army. She relocated with her children to be with him in Vienna, Austria, as he finished the last two years of his duty there. After that, they moved back to reside in the south side of Chicago, then Appleton, and finally in 1951 relocated to Burlington.

Sally was an active community volunteer. She belonged to the Plymouth Congregational Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, youth director, and was active in the women’s fellowship activities. She was active in the local chapter of the American Field Service (AFS) and at one time served as director and student coordinator. She promoted youth Boy Scouting activities and served as a Cub Scout den mother. She was active with the women’s VFW Auxiliary and avidly supported her husband’s volunteer efforts with the Burlington Area School Board.

She enjoyed gardening, baking (specialized in Christmas cookies which she shared with people throughout the community), crocheting, birding, reading and crafting. She loved playing bridge and family games, but her priority was her family and keeping close ties to her family roots.

She often frequented functions at her original family farm that was homesteaded in 1852.

Survivors include her children, Jeanne (Dr. Thomas) Torhorst, Bob (Laura) Spitzer, Steve Spitzer, Dr. Timothy Spitzer; grandchildren, Chris, Mike, Patrick, Jonathan, Jared and Jessica; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Jessie Van Gilst; nieces; nephews and cousins.

She was further preceded in death by her husband; siblings, Tom, Dave, Don, Mabel, Mary and Margaret.

Visitation is Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m., until time of memorial service at 11 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 511 S. Main St., Westfield. The Rev. Alyson Janke will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, Burlington, is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be given to the “Eugene and Sally Spitzer Burlington High School Scholarship Fund” which is used for the promotion and advancement of deserving students.