Arlys Springer, a devoted mother, grandmother, educator, and faithful servant of Christ, passed away leaving behind a profound legacy of love and ministry.

Born on December 29, 1938, in Bagley, Minnesota, to Ed and Lucille Fittje, Arlys grew up on a farm alongside three brothers and three sisters. After graduating from Clearbrook High School, she pursued her passion for teaching, graduating from Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Arlys began her teaching career in Marengo, Illinois, where she taught fifth grade for five years. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Rev. Norman Springer. The couple was married on July 18, 1965, in Marengo, embarking on a shared lifelong journey of marriage and ministry. Immediately following their wedding, they relocated to Inverness, Florida.

Arlys’s 27-year teaching career spanned both public and Lutheran schools. While teaching in Ocala for three years, she helped establish a Lutheran school. Alongside her husband, she was instrumental in planting two new mission churches within a nine-year period: Rainbow Lake (now Faith Lutheran) and First Lutheran.

Her faith was beautifully reflected in her hands-on service to her community. Arlys was a life-long blood donor, selflessly giving 79 units of blood over 50 years. Driven by an expansive capacity to love, she and Norman opened their hearts and home as foster parents to 33 children over the years.

Arlys was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Norman Springer; her infant son, Mark Benjamin; her parents; her sisters, Dorothy and Carol; and her brother, Paul.

She is survived by her loving children, Paul (Laurie) Springer and Ruth (Doug) Harrington; her cherished granddaughters, Kaitlyn (Seth) Hobbs, Sidney Springer, and Sophia Douglas; her brothers, Neil and Keith; her sister, Doris; and many nieces and nephews, family members, and dear friends.

A service of remembrance to celebrate Arlys will be held on Sunday, August 30th, at 3:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church. We invite family and friends to join us as we gather to remember, honor, and celebrate Arlys’s life. Arlys will be laid to rest beside her husband, Norman, at the Zephyrhills City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Tampa, Florida, or in Arlys’s memory, consider donating a book to your local library.