WALTER & EDNA SPITZER

PROVIDED BY

KYLE & ART SPITZER
Walter G. Spitzer arrived in Aruba in 1945 from Meridian, Texas, his place of birth. He was hired as assistant principle and physics/chemistry teacher at Lago High School. The family, wife Edna Earl, and three children, Mary B., Kyle and Art stayed in Texas until the summer of 1946 when Walter "deemed" Aruba a fit place to raise a family.

CLICK ON SPITZER FAMILY TO GO TO A LARGER VIEW.  CLICK ON LARGER VIEW TO RETURN HERE.   Walter soon realized that his physics/chemistry degree was in demand in the refinery operations and left teaching for the Technical Service Division and more pay. A great decision he told the family years later after having paid for three college educations. His career moves included several years in Personnel and Training where he helped to develop and run the apprentice training program for the refinery. Finally, he moved to department head of the Lago police department. CLICK ON MR. SPITZER'S PHOTO TO RETURN TO LAGO'S ORGANIZATIONAL CHART.

While Walter left teaching, Edna Earl, who taught in Texas with Walter before coming to Aruba, returned to teaching. First as a substitute and later as a fulltime 5th grade teacher. The Spitzer's were among the first latch key kids in Aruba. It was a natural step since we had already had a nanny back in Texas when both parents worked outside the home.
Even though Walter "deemed" Aruba a great place to raise a family, Edna Earl had her doubts after living for more than a year in converted army barracks at Colorado Point. One day she announced she was returning to the U.S. and civilization - -she had had enough! She asked the kids if we want to come with her. We all said no. Edna Earl stayed in Aruba and with Walter through 66 years of marriage.
Walter retired at 56, leaving Aruba in November 1964. They returned to Texas where their parents, brothers and sisters and three children were living. They made the Austin/Georgetown area base camp. Over the next 30 plus years they traveled, enjoyed family and friends from coast to coast and beyond. It was a retirement filled with good health, a Standard Oil NJ monthly pension check and an Airstream travel trailer they pulled all over the U.S. , Canada, Mexico and even to Alaska.
Walter died Christmas Day 1999 at age 91. Edna Earl died November 2002 at age 92.
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