Gordon Speltz

Gordon F. Speltz age 94 of New Hampton, IA, died Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at home surrounded by his family. A PRIVATE family Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. Interment with military honors will follow the Mass at St. Mary's Cemetery in New Hampton. There will not be a public visitation. For those choosing to watch the funeral live, please join them on the families facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=14830803 In Lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to the Lawler American Legion. Gordon Frederick Speltz was born July 7, 1926 in Rudolph, WI. He was the third of nine children born to Ben and Marie (Mersch) Speltz. In 1930 the family moved to a farm south of New Hampton. Then in 1942, moved to a 360-acre farm south of Lawler. Gordon grew up in the era of the Great Depression and learned the value of hard work at an early age helping his parents on the farm. In 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and due to his work with horses on the farm, was assigned as a platoon leader for the 1st Calvary when he was stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas. His platoon was the last to train on horses. Gordon was eventually sent to Japan as part of the occupational forces and Color Guard for Gen. Douglas MacArthur. After the war he returned home and met a pretty girl named Vonnie Cero. The 6'1" Gordon and 4'11" Vonnie took to the dance floor and a love that would last a lifetime began. On Nov. 4, 1950, they were married at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in New Hampton. Together they raised six children - Patrice, Tom, Dave, Annie, Julie and Ron. The kids remember growing up in a home with a hard-working, honest man, who was firm yet fair. In 1962, he joined his brother Norman (Red) in the Lawler Hardware business. Gordon and Red had a simple rule when it came to those who walked into the Lawler Hardware: Their handshake was their word. Gordon could fix anything and he and Red always looked after their customers. He enjoyed Euchre, hunting, fishing (annual Canada fishing trip), horseback riding, bowling, golfing, playing the harmonica and dancing with Vonnie at the Inwood in Spillville. He shared these passions with his children(6), grandchildren(15) and great grandchildren(8). There was nothing better than spending a day with Grandpa Gordon at the river fishing. Gordon lived a full and rewarding life. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and he leaves a legacy of hard work and loyalty to his family, friends, community and church. Survivors include his wife, Vonnie; three sons, Tom (Deb) Speltz of New Hampton, Dave (Valerie) Speltz of Swisher, IA, Ron (June) Speltz of Ely, IA; three daughters, Pat (Paul) Krueger, Annie Speltz, Julie (Tim) Denner, all of New Hampton; 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Cyril (Joan) Speltz of Minneapolis; two sisters, Nora (Ray) Vobr of Cresco; Mary Buckendahl of New Hampton; He was preceded in death by his parents; grandsons, Alexander Speltz and Ryan Speltz; four brothers, Norman, Benny, Arnie and Len Speltz; one sister, Lorraine Ball.