Albert Joseph Spika
Marriages
Alice Y. Wang - December 27, 1956
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 6 A Obituary - February 7, 2017
Albert Joseph Spika passed
away peacefully with his family
at his side in his home on
Friday, February 3, 2017. He
was 87 years of age.
A Celebration of Life will be
held Tuesday, February 7,
2017, at Hellman Ford, 6:00p.
m. Graveside service will be
held at Delta City Cemetery in
the Veteran’s section with
Military Honors VFW Post 3571.
Albert was born to Charles and Martha (Vanek) Spika on
March 10, 1929, in Coffee Creek, Montana. He grew up in Denton,
Montana along with his brother, Frank and sister, Leona.
He graduated from Denton High School and Montana State University
with a degree in Agricultural Science and Education in
1952. Albert played saxophone in the ‘Spika Orchestra’, providing
music for many special community events. He served in the
United States Air Force as a Staff Sargent assigned to airplane
maintenance on the B-36 Bomber Aircraft during the Korean
War. Albert married Alice Y. (Wang) Spika on December 27,,
1956.
He taught high school Agriculture Science and Biology before
starting his 36-year career with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service.
He was an expert in the implementation of irrigation and water
salinity. Albert worked with many local farmers and ranchers
throughout Delta County to improve their crops, resulting in
a better businesses and quality of life. Throughout his time at
the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, he often shared his vast
knowledge with visiting conservationists from around the
world. His professional expertise and generosity helped guide
conservation efforts globally.
Albert was Delta County’s ‘MacGyver’, always eager to help
find a solution to any problem. He was openly willing to fix,
build and repair anything, or assist anyone in need. He has been
an asset to the community since moving to Delta in 1975, often
helping others and sharing his creativity through gifts of special
wood projects. He enjoyed working with his hands and spending
hours in his shop.
Albert is survived by his wife, Alice, of 60 years; children, Penny
(Mike) Rubala, Sandi (Scott) Borchetta, Darci (Matt)
Hellman, Pam Spika, Trevor (Chelsea) Spika; 11 grandchildren,
and sister, Leona Strouf. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Charles and Martha Spika and brother, Frank Spika.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Taylor Funeral Services
682 1725 Rd., Delta, CO 81416 in honor of Albert Spika.
Benefits will go to HopeWest Hospice and City of Delta Tree
Management Program to plant more trees in Delta.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral
Service and Crematory.
View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at
www.taylorfuneralservice.com.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 6 A Death Notice - February 7, 2017
Albert Joseph Spika, 87, Delta, died Feb. 3, 2017, at his
home.
Services will take place at 6 p.m. today at Hellman Ford in
Delta. Burial will be at Delta City Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Alice; a son, Trevor; four
daughters, Penny Rubala, Sandi Borchetta, Darci Hellman,
and Pam Spika; a sister, Leona Strouf; and 11 grandchildren.
Memorial contributions to HopeWest, P.O. Box 24, Delta
81416; or the City of Delta Tree Management Program, 360
Main St., Delta 81416.
