Kenneth William Spiess

Kenneth William Spiess was born on December 27, 1914 to Henry and Elizabeth (Patterson) Spiess on a farm west of Knoke, Iowa. He died on June 23, 2011 at the Spencer Hospital at the age of 96 years 6 months 27 days. Kenneth started school at Lincoln Lee County School through the 8th grade. At that time they moved to Webb where he graduated from Webb High School in 1933. Ken drove a snowplow for the county and later for the railroad. Work was hard to find so he worked for room and board. Ken worked for his uncle, John Patterson, helping him measure land for the government and farming. He also worked for George Higgins at the Webb Oil Station and drove truck for Ed Weber. He was eager to learn and worked hard. On November 30, 1940 Ken married Lillian Gunnarson at high noon at her parents home in Truesdale, Iowa. They farmed in the Webb area and belonged to Grace Lutheran Church in Marathon, Iowa. On May 17, 1942 a daughter Emmy Lou was born. A son, John was born on April 27, 1950. Ken and Lillian moved to Spencer, Iowa in 1975. At that time they enjoyed many good times while wintering in Mesa, AZ. They belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer and were very active in the activities there. Kenneth was blessed with the ability to fix almost any thing or manufactured a way to fix things. In 1968, he started his many surgeries and treatments for his long battle with cancer. He maintained a positive attitude throughout all his struggles and was always more concerned about his family and devoted wife. He was very proud of his children and loved to spend time with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, brother Russell Spiess and sister Dorothy Ferdin. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Lillian; daughter Emmy Lou and husband, Cal Ball of Knoxville IA; son, John and wife Julie Spiess of Spencer, IA; Grandsons Greg Ball and wife Julie of Knoxville, IA, Brad Ball of Las Vegas, NV, Chris Spiess and wife Dina of Old Bridge, NJ, Jay Spiess of Hopkins, MN; Granddaugters Tracy and husband Jay Meade of Tucson, AZ, Janelle and husband John McEntee of Spencer; Great grand children Jessica and husband Brandon Winter of Hubbard, IA, Chad Ball of Clear Lake, IA, Chelsey Chase and Cassidy Meade of Tucson, AZ, Matthew and Olivia Spiess of Old Bridge, NJ, Avery and Alayna McEntee of Spencer, IA; many other relatives and friends.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT