Reuben Harold Spitsen, Jr. died Saturday, January 3, 2015 at his home in Turlock.  He was born September 1933 in the family home in Hilmar on Riverside Rd.  After he graduated from Hilmar High School in 1952 he was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1953 - 1955.  He married Esther Tagge in 1956 and they lived on Riverside Rd. in Hilmar where they started a dairy with 15 cows.  He then started a dairy on Crane Ave in Hilmar in 1963 where he started a pigeon hobby and joined Westside Pigeon Association.  He and Esther belonged to “California State Racing Pigeon Organization” for 45 years and started a team called “Double S Loft”.  They moved to Crows Landing in 1970 before retiring to Turlock due to health issues at the age of 58. He also belonged to the Berea Lutheran Church in Hilmar.  Up to the time of his death he enjoyed his vegetable garden, cooking, and wood working.

Reuben is survived by the love of his life Esther Spitsen and adopted daughter Marsha Adams; two sister-in-laws Judy Bergman and Shirley Silveria, all of Turlock.  He is preceded in death by his baby boy David Harold Spitsen in 1957 and a 7-month baby boy in 1958.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Covenant Care Hospice, 1550 Fulkerth Road, Turlock, CA 95380.

A private burial will be held at Hilmar Cemetery.

Allen Mortuary in charge of arrangements, please share your memories and condolences at www.AllenMortuary.com