Obituary: Howard J. Spreeman

March 19, 1921 - Oct. 16, 2013

Howard J. Spreeman passed away at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center on October 16, 2013. He was born in Appleton, Wisconsin and grew up on a farm near a small local airport which started the dream of Howard becoming an aviator. In 1939 Howard tried to join the Navy and Army Air Corps, but was unsuccessful. He did join the Navy in 1940, was trained as radioman and assigned to Patrol Squadron 23 (PBY Patrol plane) in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. It was at Kaneohe Bay that Petty Officer Spreeman experienced the Japanese attack of December 7, 1941. He survived the attack unscathed, but lost many friends. For the next few months Radioman Spreeman alternated between communication centers in Hawaii and flight assignments. Howard attended flight school in 1944, receiving his Navy Pilot Wings. During his career Howard Spreeman qualified to fly 20 different naval aircraft, accumulation nearly 10,000 flight hours. He made his last flight May 25, 1960 and retired as a Lieutenant on June 1, 1960. After his retirement he spent five years working in Wisconsin. He then relocated to Carson City in 1965 and worked in the State Prisons system. He retired from the Prison system as a Correctional Captain in 1976.

Howard Spreeman has been actively involved in the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, United States Navy League, Carson City Council, Patrol Squadron Eleven Alumni Association and various other Veteran and Community Groups. He was preceded in death by one son, Michael P. Spreeman and survived by his loyal companion, Rosalynn K. Long and three children: Susan P. Maloney, Janet M. Steward and Joseph A. Spreeman. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. A Great and humble man, he will be missed by all.