Reid Edward Spencer

Reid Edward Spencer, age 78, of Marshalltown, Iowa, a larger-than-life presence with a booming laugh and an even bigger heart, passed away on April 4, 2026.

Reid was born October 22, 1947 in Wheatland, Iowa to Millard "Dick" and Eunice Spencer. He graduated from Wheatland High School in 1965. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa cementing a lifelong devotion to the Hawkeyes and later received his master's degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

On August 10, 1976, Reid married the love of his life, Nicole (Niki) Prescott in Marshalltown, Iowa. Together, they built a life grounded in love, partnership, and shared purpose. Niki, a lifelong educator herself, was his perfect match and the two were truly inseparable. Their bond was evident to all who knew them.

Reid began his career as a history teacher in Cherokee, Iowa, but soon found his true calling at Marshalltown High School, where he became the beloved and legendary librarian for 35 years. Known to generations of students as Mr. "Shhh" Spencer, he was admired for his dedication.

Reid was a devoted father to his three sons, Mike, Matt, and Alex, whom he loved fiercely and unconditionally. His family life was full, lively, and often included a growing number of cats-farm cats, strays, and every kind in between. While Niki might bring them home, Reid would simply sit back, smile, and welcome them as part of the family.

Reid embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved reading, running, golfing with his core group of friends, chopping wood, and cheering on his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. Whether at Kinnick Stadium or watching from afar, Reid was often the loudest voice in support of the Hawks. He was, without question, a Hawkeye through and through.

If Reid Spencer was in the room, you knew it. His unmistakable laugh filled the space and settled into your heart. He was never one to hide his feelings, if he was upset, you'd know, but just as quickly, he'd move on, returning to the warmth and humor that defined him. Above all else, Reid's life was defined by love; love for his wife, his family, his students, his friends, and his Iowa Hawkeyes.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Nicole Spencer; his brother, Roy Spencer; his sons: Michael (Rhonda) Spencer, Matthew (Leslie) Spencer, and Alex (Carrie) Abrahamson; grandchildren Maclyn, Tanner, Sydney, Fionna, Isabelle, Jack, Jordan, Caitlin, and Caylee who will carry forward his spirit, his humor, and his unmistakable presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Millard "Dick" and Eunice Spencer; his sister, Roxanna Spencer; and his mother and father-in-law, Harold "Bompe" and Ethel Prescott.

Reid Spencer will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever heard in the echoes of laughter and the roar of a Hawkeye crowd.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests that memorials be directed to the University of Iowa Hospitals in support of the Iowa Hawkeye Wave or the Alzheimer's Association. A celebration of life and visitation with the family will be held at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa on Thursday, April 9th from 4-6pm with refreshments provided. Wear your Hawkeye gear and come share a story of Reid.

-lovingly written by the family