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Historian Spencer Loomis, former Lake Zurich teacher, principal, dies

Posted April 23, 2012 3:56 pm

By Mitchell Armentrout marmentrout@dailyherald.com

Spencer Loomis of Lake Zurich with his self-published book about his experiences in World War II. File photo

Spencer Loomis, a former schoolteacher, principal and local historian, died Saturday at his home in Lake Zurich. He was 90.

The namesake of Spencer Loomis Elementary School in Hawthorn Woods, he was a World War II veteran awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart before returning to his hometown to serve as a schoolteacher and administrator for 33 years. Loomis was also widely involved in community service organizations, including Meals on Wheels, the Lions Club and Public Action to Deliver Shelter.

Visitation will be at St. Peter United Church of Christ on Wednesday from 3 to 9 p.m., with funeral services Thursday at 11 a.m. Loomis will be interred at Lake Zurich Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be appreciated for the Ela Township Historical Society and Museum.

More details are pending.

Spencer Loomis of Lake Zurich is a honored World War II vet and recipient of the Studs Terkel humanitarian award for Lake County. File photo

Spencer Loomis of Lake Zurich when he was in the Army in 1944.

Spencer Loomis of Lake Zurich stands in front of the new Lake Zurich Unit District 95 elementary building that was named for him on Old McHenry Road in Hawthorn Woods. Steve Lundy

Spencer Loomis, for whom Spencer Loomis Elementary School in Hawthorn Woods was named, at a meet and greet picnic on Aug. 24, 2003, at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich. m. Scott mahaskey

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