On Saturday, June 15, 2019, "Under mostly sunny skies," Harry Ray Spohn, longtime resident and former North Platte weatherman, passed away at home at the age of 90.
Harry was born January 10, 1929, to Arnold Earl and Mary (Heckman) Spohn in Covina, California. He grew up in Dixon, Illinois with the love of his grandparents then went back to California where he graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1946.
Immediately after his 17th birthday, Harry enlisted in the U.S. Navy because he thought the Navy would give him the best chance of seeing the world, and that he did! He was assigned to the USS Gardiners Bay and served two years, returned home and was called back into service when the Korean War broke out. Harry sailed across the Pacific on a ship headed for Japan and ended up being in an airplane taking notes during flights over Korea. The captains on board acknowledged Harry for having great weather knowledge and radar experience. Harry's military service ended with his honorable discharge in 1951 but his adventures were far from over.
On March 1, 1952, Harry married the love of his life, Grace DeLight Davison, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They were blessed with five children, many foster children, and 65 years and 4 months of togetherness.
The couple lived in Norfolk, Nebraska, then because of Harry's job with the Weather Service, they relocated several times over the next few years living in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; Montgomery, Alabama; El Paso, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Ceresco, Nebraska; and Bonner Springs, Kansas. The only time the family didn't move with Harry was when he was
assigned to the West Indies and when he wintered over in Antarctica as part of the Deep Freeze Expedition No. 7 from 1962-63. In recognition of his service in Antarctica and by an act of Congress, Harry had a mountain named after him, Mount Spohn, located on the west side of Burgess Glacier. On December 4, 1963, his experiences at the South Pole were featured on the Today Show when Harry was interviewed by Hugh Downs.
In 1968 Harry and Grace moved to Bonner Springs, Kansas, where he worked at the regional office of the National Weather Service in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1974 Harry's work brought the family to North Platte, an area that caught his attention as a youth while traveling cross country on a passenger train. Harry achieved his career goal when he became the
Official in Charge of the National Weather Service at Lee Bird Field. He went on to be Weatherman for KNOP-TV from the mid '80's to 90's.
Harry took pleasure in serving the public and loved what he did. While living in Kansas, he became the Scout Master for Troop #149 and a Lay Leader at the Methodist Church. In North Platte he served on the City Council for 4 years, was a member of P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion, V.F.W. Post #1504, 40 & 8, Cooties, Sertoma, and was a R.S.V.P.
volunteer for 25 years. Harry enjoyed living in North Platte and being a part of the community.
In his free time, Harry liked being outside puttering in the garden or going on walks. He also liked reading, square dancing, writing and golfing. Harry was a kind, loving husband, father and grandfather. He was friendly to anyone he met and was especially proud of his service to his country and fellow man. He said the best thing was to have people say, "We miss you." Harry will surely be missed.
He leaves behind his children, Christine Roper, of Platte City, MO, Kathleen (Michael) Daniello, of Union City, CA, Daniel Spohn (Louise Cox, of Colorado Springs, CO, Joanne (Theodore) Hohman, of Rochester, NH, and Mary Spohn, of North Platte; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-granddaughters; and many other family members.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; his parents, Arnold Spohn, Sr. and Mary Spohn Moore; stepmothers, Phyllis Benjamin Spohn and Ruth Delaney Spohn; brother, Arnold Spohn, Jr.; and sister, Virginia Spohn.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to R.S.V.P. (Ready to Serve Volunteer Program which provides a variety of
volunteer opportunities within the community).