Celebrating a Co-Founder and Champion of Local History
Pat Spoerl has lived in Oro Valley for more than 30 years and co-founded the Oro Valley Historical Society in 2005.
Raised in Kentucky, Pat attended college in Wisconsin before earning a Ph.D. in Anthropology and Archaeology from Southern Illinois University. Her professional career with the U.S. Forest Service began in New Mexico and later brought her to the Coronado National Forest in Tucson. Over the course of 27 years, she managed cultural resources, Tribal relations, outdoor recreation, and wilderness programs.
Several years before retiring from the Forest Service, Pat became actively involved in the Oro Valley community. She first participated in the Town’s Community Academy and later served on the General Plan Steering Committees for both the 2005 and 2016 updates. She also served on the Historic Preservation Commission and was appointed to the Town Council in 2010.
Jim Kriegh, Dick Eggerding, and Pat Spoerl examining Hohokam artifacts similar to those found at Honey Bee Village
Pat’s commitment to preserving local heritage extended beyond Town-sponsored initiatives. As a member of the Land Conservation Committee, she helped advocate for the inclusion of Steam Pump Ranch and Honey Bee Village in the 2004 Pima County Bond program. After voters approved the bond, Pat joined Jim Kriegh and Dick Eggerding in establishing the Oro Valley Historical Society. Together, they sought to preserve the area’s rich heritage while promoting education and awareness of its history and special places. Since then, Pat has served in every officer position within the Society.
OVHS Sign Committee: Bob Kellar, Lynn Zoyiopoulos, Pat Spoerl, and Denzil Walker with Otton Suarez (2nd from right) from the OV Chamber Foundation
Today, Pat divides her time between Montana and Arizona, remaining actively involved with the Historical Society and its interpretive programs at Steam Pump Ranch, the “historic heart of Oro Valley.” (Article written October 2026).