Lee Springer

Lee Springer, 71, passed peacefully to his Lord, with his wife of 43 years at his side, at Perrysburg Hospice of Northwest Ohio, after 12+ years of fighting failed back surgery syndrome and Parkinson's disease. As requested, his brain was donated to the University of Michigan brain bank for research in Parkinson's disease and DBS implants.

Lee was born in North Olmstead, Ohio, to Harold and Louise (Teichert) Springer, surrounded by lots of loving extended family. As a youngster, Lee indulged his wanderlust tendencies by exploring the surrounded neighborhoods with his cousins, Marge. At age 7, Lee had "the best day of my life" when his brother, Paul, was born.

At 8 years old, Lee and his family moved to Sylvania, Ohio. That Christmas, Lee received his first HO scale model train, which started a life-long interest in model and full-size trains. He also became interested in classic and modern cars. In middle school, Lee learned to read music and play the trombone. He played the trombone in, marching bands, for four years at Sylvania High School and four years at University of Toledo. Later, he joined the Wesleyan Choir with his wife. When he could no longer participate, he still enjoyed listening to music. Lee graduated from Sylvania High School and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Toledo and then moved to Tipp City, Ohio, where he taught middle school earth science. After two years, he moved back home and entered the University of Toledo to earn his Master of Geography and Planning, where he met his future wife, Norma. After earning his Master's degree and getting his first job, Lee and Norma started dating. Lee was the first City Planner of the City of Rossford. While there, he and a series of interns worked on zoning and industrial development, and was pleased to locate and find funding for one of the last open spaces on the Maumee River, which became Island View Park. Lee and Norma, now married, moved to West Toledo (along with his model train set). Lee worked for various non-profits and government agencies, including the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Port Authority. Lee and Norma celebrated the birth of their daughter Jennifer on Christmas Day and six years later the birth of their son, Benjamin on New Year's Eve.

Lee's last employment before retirement was a Manager of International Industrial Development at RGP. He traveled often for business and family vacations where he enjoyed his lifelong interest in photography. He was involved in the local committee for sister city Toyahashi, Japan, and visited Toyahashi with Governor Taft's Trade Mission to Japan. Lee enjoyed working on many international as well as local projects, including the new Jeep plant.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Louise (Teichert) Springer. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Norma (Emery) Springer; daughter, Jennifer (Cameron) Amies of New Zealand; and son, Benjamin (Meghan Leonard) Springer of Montana. Also surviving is brother, Paul (Melissa) Springer; and niece, Amanda Springer, all of Waterville, Ohio.
Because of COVID restrictions, Lee's memorial had to be postponed. A memorial service will be on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Monroe Street United Methodist Church, visitation will start at 3:00 pm, followed by a memorial celebration of Lee's life at 4:00 pm. A dinner will follow downstairs.

For those that are attending, the family would love for you to wear bright colors because of the service being a celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the Monroe Street Neighborhood Center, where Lee previously served as board president, headquartered at Monroe Street Methodist Church.

A special memory or online condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.NewcomerToledo.com.