Shawn Charles Spencer

MERCER, Wis. - Shawn Charles Spencer, 24, of 4309 N. Old Highway 51, Mercer, died in a fire that destroyed his home while attempting to rescue others on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013.

He was born Feb. 25, 1989, in Woodruff, the son of Charlie Spencer and Karen (Brunell) Benck. He attended Mercer schools and graduated from high school in the Baldwin-Woodville School District in 2007. Following graduation he returned to Mercer, where he was currently employed at Action Floors and Mercer Valve Co.

Shawn was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Mercer and former member of the Mercer Volunteer Fire Department. A good Samaritan, he eagerly volunteered his time shoveling and snowplowing for the elderly in Mercer, and also helped with the Mercer Fun Run and the Fourth of July parade and celebration. He will be deeply missed.

Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Karen and Dave Benck, Woodville; father, Charlie (Toni) Spencer, Mercer; brother, Aaron (Alisha) Spencer, Waukesha; maternal grandparents, Bruce and June Brunell, Mercer; half brothers, Billy (Renee) Spencer, Florida, Rick Spencer, Mercer, and Jason Spencer, Wausau; half sister, Donna Spencer, Lac du Flambeau; stepbrother, Justen Benck, Seattle; uncles, Lee (Sue) Spencer, Wisconsin Rapids, Kevin (Shirley) Brunell, Mercer, and Keith (Vicky) Brunell, Becker, Minn .; an aunt, Charlene (Ken) Larsen, of Milwaukee; nephews, Andrew and Thomas Spencer; niece, Jasmin Erickson Spencer; other nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Charles and Donna Spencer, of Winchester.