Charles “Charlie” Paul Spencer

Charles “Charlie” Paul Spencer, 70, of Boulder Junction, passed away November 14, 2025, after a brief time in hospice care. Charlie passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. He was able to spend his last days happily visiting with loved ones from near and far, and was truly at peace.

Charlie was born on June 27, 1955 in Ironwood, Mich., and raised in Marenisco, Mich. He graduated from Marenisco High School and attended Gogebic Community College where he studied graphic arts, photography and journalism. He moved to Boulder Junction, for what was supposed to be a summer job at Dairymen’s Country Club, but never left.

He was an advocate for improving home health care. Throughout his professional career he helped people regain their independence with custom wheelchairs and mobility devices. He lobbied at both the state and national level to improve access and availability to home medical equipment. It was a mission he continued well into retirement.

Charlie served on the Boulder Junction town board, first as a supervisor and then as town chairman. For over 15 years he was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for Boulder Junction. He was a lifetime member of the Gresham Lakes Association serving as a board member for many years and was a past president. He and his family also owned and operated the Eagles Nest Resort in Boulder Junction.

He was a charter member of WXPR Public Radio, a live sound engineer, and a musician with the Broken Knuckle Band. He was also an accomplished harmonica player with a deep love for folk and blues, and a lifetime member and volunteer of the Hiawatha Music Festival Co-op in Marquette, Mich. He was an MC for the lumberjack show in Minocqua and also had the opportunity to announce the lumberjack competition at Klondike Days in Eagle River.

Charlie was proud of his ‘Yooper’ roots and had a deep appreciation for nature. He loved spending time outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, knew the woods well, and was eager to share that knowledge with future generations. He also loved to travel, especially with his friends in the Camp 6 bus. The ‘customized’ bus accompanied him on many adventures out west, down south, and deep into the woods for hunting camp.

He was a loyal Green Bay Packer fan, even in the tumultuous years. He had a joke and a story for everything and truly lived life fully on his own terms. Our lives and Facebook feeds will be a little less colorful without him.

Charlie wore many different hats during his life, but none fit him better than his “Grandpa Charlie” hat. He loved being a grandpa. May he rest in peace and may light perpetually shine on him.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betsy) Spencer; his son CJ (Briana) Spencer and their children Juniper and Holly; his daughter Carrie (Jason) Bolfert; and his first wife and longtime friend Cindy Brill. He is also survived by Sasha, his faithful and devoted Hungarian Vizsla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Verna Spencer, and his sister, Bonnie Spencer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boulder Junction Fire Dept and EMS, P.O. Box 395, Boulder Junction, WI 54512 or in person at 5392 Park St, Boulder Junction.

There will be a celebration of life at Bushwood Tavern (Deerpath) on Nov. 22, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.