FRIDLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT
MN TYPE I: Active LODD
It is with great sadness that we announce the Line of Duty Death of Fridley Fire Chief Mike Spencer, Chief Spencer passed away at his home on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at the age of 53. Mike was born September 21, 1966, in Minneapolis, MN. Bigger than life, Mike was loved by all. More than anything, Mike enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, fishing, hosting island parties, and “junking”.
Mike graduated Patrick Henry High school and attended North Hennepin Community College. After serving his country in the Navy for six years, Mike moved to TN to work in an oil refinery. In 2006, he joined the Fridley Fire Department and worked his way up the ladder becoming the Fridley Fire Chief in 2019. Mike was passionate about his work, devoted to his community, and respected by his colleagues. His famous line, “this is how it’s going to work,” was a quick and clever solution to any problem—at the station or in life.
Mike is preceded in death by his father Don Steinbach, and brothers Dean Steinbach and Doug Steinbach; survived by his son Jake Spencer (his mother Jill Spencer), Mike’s beloved soulmate Sue Thrun; bonus daughters Ashley and Faith Thrun; mother Janet Steinbach, siblings Gail (John) Mooney; Holly Mulville; Laurie (Danny) Barron; sister-in-law Phoebe Steinbach; David (Nancy) Steinbach; Danny (Cathy) Steinbach; Donna (David) Scribner; Donald Steinbach; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends whom he loved.
The family is eternal grateful to the Fridley Fire Department for their love and support. Chief would have been proud.
Funeral and Visitation Information
VISITATION:
| Date | Monday Sept 21 2020 |
| Time | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Time | Tuesday Sept 22nd 9:30 am – 11:00 |
| Location | St John the Baptist Church New Brighton 835 2nd Ave NW New Brighton |
| Uniform | Class A or B Requested |
| Mourning Bands | All Fire Department Personnel |
FUNERAL:
| Date | Tuesday Sept 22nd 2020 |
| Time | 11:00 -12:30 |
| Location | St John the Baptist Church New Brighton 835 2nd Ave NW New Brighton |
| Uniform | Class A or B Requested |
| Mourning Bands | All Fire Department Personnel |
All Minnesota Firefighters are invited to support Chief Spencer’s family and the celebration of his life. There will be a Sea of Uniforms at the St John the Baptist Church.
Departments bringing apparatus check in with the Staging Officer on Second Ave NE.
Please enter the staging area off of 35 W to County Road E 2 to second ave or contact staging on STAC 12.
The Fridley Fire Department and surrounding Departments will be allowed in the church for seating. For all other departments live streaming will be available in the parking lot.
Face Coverings will be Mandatory.