Robert L Spohn

Robert L. Spohn, Artist and Curious Soul dies at the Century Mark

After 100 full and fortunate years, Robert L. Spohn passed away peacefully on May 12, 2023 of natural causes at The Hospice of The Western Reserve in Cleveland. Bob continued to live in his South Euclid house until his final few days. Son Wayne Spohn provided an extraordinary level of daily support to maintain Bob’s independence. Bob continued to feed his varied birds, do yard work and work on his computer. He was an endlessly curious man. His loyal cat Grayson offered gentle friendship.

Bob shared his woodland home with his beloved wife Ruth Spohn of seventy-five years, until she passed away two years ago.

Bob was born the middle son of Victor and Ruth Spohn of Cleveland Heights on Christmas Eve, 1922. During the Depression days of his youth, Bob and brothers Victor Jr. and Charles were industrious, holding many jobs, selling Liberty newsletters at bus stops, working at diners, gas stations and Fisher’s Grocery. Bob was a talented artist starting at a very early age, painting pets, portraits and landscapes. He attended Cleveland Heights High School, then began his art studies at The Cleveland Institute of Art. When it became clear he would be drafted for World War II, he voluntarily enrolled in the flight mechanic school at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, where he earned five licenses pertaining to aircraft. In addition to Bob’s art, he also had musical talents. He learned piano at an early age, was a member of the Great Lakes Navy Choir and also played the accordion. Bob showed an ability to innately understand mechanically how everything works. Bob joined the U.S. Navy Air Corps, and he trained in Texas and Oklahoma, where he instructed on aeronautic mechanics. He was transferred to the Pacific Theater and served two years on the Island of Saipan. There he and his crew worked on a secret drone project.

After the War, Bob met his wife Ruth Hardman, who was working at War Assets in Cleveland. They married on July 20, 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA. The couple had four children, Linda, Wayne, Terry (who only lived 2 days) and Marilee. They had an array of dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, birds and guinea pigs over the years. Bob’s hobby and forever passion was strolling the greens of Cleveland’s many beautiful golf courses with his buddies. Bob excelled at golf winning many tournaments, playing into his late nineties.

People asked what was Bob's profession, which was always hard to answer. He was a steel salesman, a furniture re-finisher, an auto mechanic, an electronic technician, mural painter, an insurance salesman, an entrepreneur, a landscaper; and was still trouble-shooting and repairing machinery at age 90. He was also Mr. Fix-it to the benefit of his family, neighbors and friends. Bob even hand built a house addition for Marilee.

Bob always enjoyed being the center of attention at gatherings; telling his stories, and giving his expert opinions. He often skillfully used the art of exaggeration and humor while loudly emphasizing his point.

Bob is survived by his three children, Linda Grund (Steve), Wayne Spohn (Ruth) and Marilee Browning, as well as seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and his cat Grayson.

The Spohn family wishes to thank The Hospice of the Western Reserve for their gracious care of both Robert and Ruth Spohn in their final days.

A joint service for the celebration of the lives of Robert and Ruth Spohn will be held on Friday August 4^th at 10:00 am at The Church of the Redeemer at 2420 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The service will also be available to view on Zoom. Following the service there will be a private burial. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent to The Church of the Redeemer or The Hospice of the Western Reserve.