Denise Laurene Spooner passed quietly in her sleep September 16th, 2012 after a extended struggle with brain cancer.
She was born December 7th, 1957 in Alamogordo, New Mexico to Bruce Oren Blochwitz and Donna Mae Hendrix Blochwitz. From there her family moved to Madison, Wisconsin where Denise was lovingly raised by Bruce and Jane Erickson Blochwitz along with her siblings Dawn Reisdorf Wachtendonk (John), Diane Buschkopf (Kevin) , Darra Winecoff Schmidt (Scott), Thomas Blochwitz (Lisa) and John Blochwitz. In addition, Denise has a brother John Schmitt. She was also beloved by a host of nieces and nephews and was their favorite aunt. Her grandchild Linus was also an object of her adoration.
In Denise's twenties she met the love of her life, partner and soul mate for her journey with Christ, Eli Spooner. Together they raised their children in a God-filled home. Ian Spooner (Tori), Isaac Spooner, Hannah Spooner and Heather Spooner. She was an amazing mother, carefully teaching kindness and a love of learning, always willing to do anything for her children (including making Raggedy Ann dolls). Always ready to encourage and lead her children on to adventures, everywhere. She always made them feel that they deserved their dreams. She always listened and never judged what came out of their mouths; always ready to give advice when requested. Denise and Eli passed their Christ-centered focus on to their children.
Denise graduated with a BS in Biology and a minor in French from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She furthered her education earning a degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and later a Master's Degree in Education from National University.
She worked professionally as a teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. In addition she home schooled all four of her children in Maine and Colorado. After moving to California, Denise taught at the Modoc Charter School (New Day Academy), Academy of Personalized Learning and most recently at the California Virtual Academy. Students adored Denise's methods of learning. She stated frequently "If I were Queen of the Universe potassium would not be K and iron would not be FE…". Any child who had the blessing of her teaching could not help but learn. She was always willing to let them learn at their own pace. A hands-on approach including explosions and other demonstrations made the lessons extremely interesting to both the children and the parents. Herds of high school students were shepherded through various college classes. Summers would frequently involve a reading program with incentives which she funded.
Denise was a servant for Christ's work. In addition to missions trips to Mexico, France, Holland, Ukraine and the Dominican Republic, she gave of herself locally. She was always an active member of her church, serving in the bookstore, choir, as a sign language interpreter and overhead operator. Her favorite role was to welcome people into Christ's family and connect them to others.
Denise had many hobbies including reading, sewing, crafts, garage sales, singing, gardening, herding goats, keeping chickens and bees, and playing with Photoshop. Mentoring others in these and other skills was a frequent occurrence. She also skied, camped, traveled, and had recently flown a plane solo. Always game for any adventure.
Denise was probably best known for her infectious smile and delightful laugh. Her care and service to others made a significant mark on countless lives. Teaching and being a blessing to others were the crowning attributes of her life.
Denise was never much a fan of flowers, so in lieu of flowers, contributions to HopeCity, a social services outreach, or missions would be appreciated via www.ibethel.org/igive or Bethel Church, 933 College View Drive, Redding, CA 96003
There will be a Celebration service on Saturday, September 22nd, 2012 at 10am at the Twin View Campus of Bethel Church, 936 Twin View Blvd., Redding, CA.
