Elliot W. Spear

Elliot W. Spear, age 20, of Oconomowoc, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 19, 2018. Elliot is survived by his parents Trent Spear and Theresa (Kevin) Kearney; his siblings Collette King, Jillian (Brad) Kleba, Isabelle Spear and Jacob Spear; his step siblings Daniel, Rachel, and Michael Kearney; his nephews Everett and Henry Kleba; his grandparents Bill (MaryAnn) Knight and Richard Kalyn; great grandmother Mary Yerkey and many more family and friends. Elliot is preceded in death by grandmother Bonnie Kalyn. Every so often, a person touches our lives with a contagious smile, a caring heart and a non-judgmental mind. Elliot Spear was, indeed, that person. In spite of having a disability, Elliot blazed a trail of light, never for a moment letting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy hold him back from living life to the fullest. He was the embodiment of hope and perseverance. Elliot graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 2017. He was part of DECA for four years, including two years as a member of the leadership team, spent three years serving as the statistician with the Oconomowoc boys varsity basketball team, joined the stage crew for the school’s theater productions, participated in Oconomowoc Broadcasting Company (OBC), and made the National Honor Society. Elliot attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he began studying Broadfield Social Studies Education with the goal becoming a history teacher. In his time at UW-W, he became involved with Phi Delta Theta; was selected for Warhawks SOAR (Hawk Squad), an incoming student introduction team; and participated RHA and LIT (Leader Involvement Team) for his dormitory. Elliot dedicated his life to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. As a representative, he participated in fundraising activities for the Muscle Team Gala, Muscle Walk, and Fill The Boot campaigns, contributed artwork for the Black and Blue Ball, and regularly attended (and volunteered at) MDA Summer Camp. Faith was also important to Elliot. He engaged in a variety of activities at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Hartland and Crosspoint Community Church in Oconomowoc. It goes without saying that Elliot will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was the kind of person that anyone would be proud to call son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew and friend. As one person said of Elliot, “You truly were an inspiration to us all. Everyone who was lucky enough to know you will never forget the unforgettable stamp you put on their hearts.” Services for Elliot will be held at Crosspoint Community Church (W380 N6931 N Lake Rd, Oconomowoc) On Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 6 pm. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 pm until time of service at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elliot's name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA.org) or to the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (parentprojectmd.org). The family would like to give special acknowledgment and appreciation to the many compassionate caregivers who loved Elliot throughout his life.