Dr. John C. Spellmeyer

Dr. John C. Spellmeyer, MD, FACR, a dedicated physician, and beloved family man, passed away on December 24, 2023, in Eagle River. He was born on August 21, 1929, at St. Marys Hospital in Spring Valley, Ill., to Gladys Irene (Greathouse) and Martin Torgerson. The family lived in Granville, Ill., until they divorced in 1937 and Gladys moved to Spring Valley. In 1944, Gladys married Raymond Spellmeyer, and the family relocated to Rock Island, where they lived for many years. Raymond formally adopted John and his sister, Delona Janette Spellmeyer Kennedy in 1947.

John was a firm advocate for education. He graduated from Rock Island Senior High in 1947, earned his bachelors degree from Augustana College in 1950, and obtained his medical degree from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1955. Following medical school, he served as a physician in the United States Navy in the southwest Pacific and at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Afterward, he pursued a career in family medicine and completed his Radiology Residency at the University of Iowa in 1965.

In late 1965, John and his family moved to Richmond, Ind., where he was on staff at Reid Memorial Hospital until 1998. John and Elaine then moved to Lac du Flambeau, and John began a second career as a radiologist on the staff at the Peter Christensen Health Clinic (PCHC).

John was driven by an unwavering commitment from a young age to study medicine. Through hard work and dedication, his dream was realized when he became a physician, a profession he embraced with immense pride. He practiced medicine for nearly 68 years until he retired as a radiologist from PCHC in early 2023.

John met his future wife, Elaine Idstrom, at Augustana College in 1949. They were married at Messiah Lutheran Church on July 12, 1952, in Aledo, Ill. They celebrated 71 years of marriage at their home in Lac du Flambeau. They shared many hobbies together, including flying, church, travel, ballroom dancing, horseback riding, and spending time with family, children, and friends in the Wisconsin Northwoods. John’s other hobbies included genealogy, photography, woodworking, yardwork, gardening and tending African violets and tomatoes. He loved dogs. He was always encouraging people to pursue education and start investing. He was an Eagle Scout, served in the Naval Reserves, and was a member of several professional societies. He was recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Radiology.

John is predeceased by his sister, Delona (Russel) Kennedy, stepsister Betty Jean (Franklin) Hamilton, and his beloved mentor, Alma Volk. He is survived by his loving wife, their three children John (Brooke), David, and Susan (Don), as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In memory of Dr. John C. Spellmeyer, his family requests that any contributions be made to the Elaine Idstrom and John Spellmeyer Scholarship at Augustana College, which provides financial assistance to students who are academically high achieving with demonstrated financial need.

To honor John’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. Bolger Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.