Spencer Sheldon Sepponen

Spencer Sheldon Sepponen, age 76, a resident of Albuquerque since 1969, died February 19, 2015 of a massive heart attack. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Petra; and step-daughters, Elizabeth Cervantes, and Angel Lovato and husband Norman; daughter-in-law, Trudy Cervantes, all of Albuquerque; two grandsons, Austin Cervantes and Dallas Stafford and wife Britni; great-granddaughter, Solana; two cousins, Alan and Carol Bielski; and many wonderful neighbors and close friends including Peter Romero and Kathy Gordon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Genevieve and Eino Sepponen; and step-son, Martin Cervantes. After graduating from Mary Bradford High School in Kenosh, WI in 1956, he completed his associate's degree in liberal arts from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1960. He served as a pilot in the Marine Corps for three years. While serving his country in the Marine Air Reserve Training Command, Spencer completed his bachelor of science degree in geology at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. The Getty Oil Company brought Spencer to Albuquerque in 1969 working in the gas and oil industry, and later transferring with Union Carbide to explore for uranium. Before his graduate studies in hydrology at the University of Oklahoma in Stillwater, Spencer spent five there during the height of the oil boom, returning to New Mexico with work with other companies until the startup of "Soumi-Petra Geological Consultants, LLC. His retirement years enabled Spencer to fulfill his lifelong pursuit of building and restoring cars and hot rods, most especially 1941 Studebakers from his early days at American motors. Spencer was an avid gardener and great cook and enjoyed grilling for many family celebrations. His deep love of dogs and great appreciation of books was a natural part of his existence and a passion easily shared with others throughout his life. Friends may visit FRENCH - Wyoming Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Services will be held Friday, February 27, 2015, 11:00 a.m., also at FRENCH - Wyoming. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Pallbearers will be Austin Cervantes, Julio Santiestiban, Jerry Gray, Peter Romero, Fermin Cervantes and Bruce E. Chavez. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400