July 22, 1919 - March 29, 2010SOUTH BEND - An amazing man left us this past Monday and, while we will all never be the same after his death, we are all definitely better people for knowing and loving him. Alfred V. Springer Jr., 90, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 6:05 p.m. Monday, March 29, 2010, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. He was born on July 22, 1919, in Plainfield, NJ, to Alfred V. and Louise (Wildhagen) Springer. On June 27, 1952 in Chicago, IL, he married Rita "Jeanne" (McGrath) Springer, who preceded him in death on November 3, 2004. As a child growing up on a small lake in Depression-era New Jersey, Al had to fish and hunt to help his family survive. An incredibly bright student, he later graduated as the valedictorian of Rider College, finishing a four-year program in only two years. During WW II, he became one of the famous "90 Day Wonder" officers and was sent to Harvard to study statistics. Al Springer was accepted to and wanted to work for the FBI but was deemed too young because he graduated so early. Financially, he could not wait for the FBI job so he went to work for the U.S. Rubber Company (Uniroyal). He retired as controller after 46 years with the same company. He practiced his accounting career like he was with the FBI, always on the lookout for waste! Most importantly, Al was a devout Christian and an energized Southern Baptist. He loved God and loved people. He worked diligently to help grow South Side Baptist Church in South Bend for over 30 years. He also enjoyed the fact that he was on the financial committee of the Catholic hospital chain, Ancilla Systems. Following his sports teams was his other passion. He loved Baylor, the Florida State Seminoles, Notre Dame, and any athlete who professed his faith. His favorite coach was Bobby Bowden, and his favorite player was Tim Tebow. Mr. Springer is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Ann (husband Jerry Parks) Springer of Oswego, OR; sons, Al (Melinda) Springer III of Austin, TX, Rodney (Debbie) Schwandner of South Bend, IN, Robert "Judd" Schwandner of Cape Coral, FL, and Rhett Schwandner of Washington, IN; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A sister, Florence Parand, and an infant brother, Samuel Springer, preceded him in death. We will miss him very much! A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. today, April 1, 2010, in the South Side Baptist Church, 1130 Jackson Road, South Bend, IN. Inurnment will take place at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family following the services today in church. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend, is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Alfred V. Springer Jr. may be made to the South Side Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2494, South Bend, IN 46680. Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.