Justus Spillner Obituary

Justus Spillner
Aug. 4, 1924 - Nov. 30, 2013
Resident of Castro Valley
Justus Spillner passed away peacefully surrounded by his large, close knit family on Nov 30, 2013 at the age of 89. Justus was born in Arizona on August 4, 1924 and was raised in Oakland. He was one of five children and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and St. Mary's High School. Raised in the Catholic faith, Justus was always an active member of the church and was especially devoted to the Virgin Mary. Justus honorably served in the Marine Corp from 1943-1946 as a radio operator in the South Pacific. Proud of his service, Justus loved to hear the band strike up the Marine Corp Hymn, and would call out, "Semper Fi," to anyone he identified as a fellow Marine.
Upon his return from WWII, Justus met and married Margaret, with whom he built a lasting and happy marriage of 66 years. Justus and Margaret were partners and truly a dynamic duo able to withstand any trial by relying on the strength of each other. Living in Castro Valley for 65 years, Justus and Margaret were blessed with 7 children—Priscilla (Jim), Justus (Liz V), Tom (Pattie), Mark (Robin), Liz (Glenn), Charlie, and Mary (Mike)—21 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Justus retired in 1972 from the Oakland Police Department after 23 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant. Immediately following his retirement, he was employed for 18 years as an investigator for Shell Oil Co. Although successful in his professional endeavors, Justus took the most pride and delight watching his family grow and thrive.
Justus cherished the time that he spent with his children. Coaching little league, teaching his kids to waterski, and taking his children to watch the Oakland Raiders, Justus was a family man in the truest sense of the word. A loving and involved grandfather, Justus attended countless sporting events to cheer on his many grandchildren and was never absent from the constant flow of baptisms, first communions, birthday parties, confirmations, piano recitals, grandparent days, play performances, graduations, and weddings. Justus and Margaret always made it a priority to keep their large family close and enjoyed family holidays, vacations, and spending the summer at the family's shared vacation home in Clear Lake.
Justus will be remembered for a sense of humor that never dulled and was never unkind. He was encouraging and loyal to his friends and family. Justus enjoyed good food and good company and was a man that people felt lucky to know. In his final years he often said, "To all who want to know, I had a great life."
Justus was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, his son Charlie at the age of four, and his grandson, Jimmy. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 from 6-7 p.m., and a vigil at 7 p.m. at Jess C. Spencer Mortuary 21228 Redwood Rd. in Castro Valley and a funeral mass on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church 3433 Somerset Ave. in Castro Valley. Reception will immediately follow mass. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations to St. Vincent de Paul.