Marie Speltz

marie speltz
Marie K. Speltz age 87 of Lawler, Iowa died Saturday morning, December 8, 2012, at the Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare Center in New Hampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Nick March celebrating the Mass. The pall will be placed by Steve, Joe, Tim and O.J. Speltz. Bob Huinker will be the organist and cantor, accompanying the vocalists and congregation. Vocalists will be Mandy Lechtenberg singing the prelude of “Ave Maria”, the communion song will be 'Going Home' by Deb Speltz. Bob Mikota and Samantha Mikota will also sing, 'Be Not Afraid'. Lector for the service will be Joe Scally. Mass Servers will be Pat Sheridan and Jack McKone. Presenting the offertory gifts will be Allie Waugh, Liz Flanders, Jenn Deeny, Trish Mikota and Ann Reuter Stephanie Speltz and Dylan Armstrong. Interment will be in the church cemetery, with Ryan Lechtenberg, Greg Lechtenberg, T.J. Lechtenberg, Chris Speltz, Mark Speltz, J.W. Creighton, Nick Speltz, Craig Speltz, Brian Speltz and Max Jirak serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Ruth McKone, Madonna O’Connell, Shirley Carolan, Shirley Murray, Diane Blazek, Shirley Blazek, Shirley Donn, and Effie Lienau. Friends may greet the family 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church in Lawler, where there will be a 4:00 p.m. Catholic Daughters of the Americas Rosary and a 7:00 p.m. Parish Scripture Service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday. Mary “Marie” Katherine Speltz was born May 14, 1925, in Lawler, IA, the daughter of Ray and Katherine “Kit” (Connery) Woods. She attended the Mt. Carmel Grade School and graduated from the Lawler High School. While in high school Marie was a sports enthusiast, playing basketball and being on the cheerleading squad. Following graduation she worked briefly at the Rath Packing Company and also as a dental assistant. On September 15, 1945, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, she married Norman “Red” Justin Speltz. To this union eleven children were born. While taking care of her children and family Marie also helped her husband Red at their hardware store. Her family was her priority in life and she always made certain they were well loved and well cared for. Marie loved watching her children and grandchildren in all their sporting events and activities regardless where she had to travel to attend. They knew that her smiling face would be in that crowd watching and encouraging them with everything they were participating in. Marie was an active bowler and also enjoyed dancing. She watched and followed many sporting teams, including the Hawkeyes, Cubs, Packers and Bulls. She also enjoyed an occasional day spent gambling. Marie was an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and Rosary Society, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Legion Auxiliary. Her family legacy is large and her memory will live on forever through them. Survivors include her husband, Norman “Red” Speltz; four sons, Steve Speltz, Joe (Mary) Speltz , Jim Speltz, Tim (Deb) Speltz, all of Lawler; seven daughters, Connie (Paul) Deeny of Charles City, Cathy (John) Lechtenberg of Bettendorf, Norm (Dave) Creighton of Des Moines, Jenny (Bob) Mikota of Sigourney, Mary (Bryan) Mikota of Green Bay, WI, Theresa (Brian) Jirak of Oklahoma and Rose (James) Armstrong of Arizona; twenty nine grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Kenneth Woods.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. To the Speltz Family, I first met Marie @ wrestling meets watching her grandsons with Grandma Speltz on the back of her sweatshirt. Then we started exercising together @ SlenderQuest. Her sense of humor was a delight. A great lady that never will be forgotten. A woman with great faith & family values. My prayers to all her family. Mary Ann Allen

  2. My condolences to the Speltz family–our lives were connected in many ways when I was growing up. My Dad worked for Red at the hardware store, your family lived close by us, playing ball in our front yard all summer, loading up the kids to go to the swimming pool in New Hampton, the trailer at the Mississippi River, interactions on a daily level. Say hello to Mom and Dad please Marie. You will be surely missed.

  3. Marie Woods was one of those beautiful classy girls that I instantly fell in love with when I entered the Mount Carmel Parochial School. She never lost her beauty or her class! My deepest sympathy to Red and the whole family. Jim Blazek

  4. Sincere sympathies from our family. Marie was a peach and my parents were so fortunate to spend thirty some years as neighbors. I just hope Art can get a word in edgewise in heaven. And for Marie, I bought a lottery ticket at Buckys on my way home!

  5. My heart go out to Red and the entire Speltz family. So many memories come to mind, so little space to write them all down. Marie will always be missed and I pray God will bring comfort to all. My sympathy to you. Gina Jirak

  6. So very sorry for your loss – Marie was always so fun loving. Her personality filled the room. She was an inspiration of how to live our lives with loving and caring of others. Our deepest sympathies are with your whole family. Marcella Wurzer’s family

  7. We want to extend our deepest sympathy to the Speltz family. Marie was a very special lady and will missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  8. I was so sorry to hear about Marie. I, too, am a former babysitter but only for the first four children – Steve, Connie, Cathy and ‘Jokey Tom’ as Marie used to call him. My love and sympathy to all of the Speltz family. Margaret Doyle Jones

  9. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Speltz family. You will cherish the memories of her forever.

  10. Saying good-bye to the most wonderful sister in law anyone could ask for is one of the saddest moments of my life. She was amazing and so much fun, a shining star. She is still shining and always will be from up above.

  11. Marie was such a wonderful woman so full of life. I remember some amazing holidays spent with her and her awazing family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. God Bless all of you. Jennie Creighton

  12. What a great lady. I never knew her till she became a customer. What a treat it was to visit with her. My deepest sympathy to her family. A wonderful person and ‘personality’ that I know will be greatly missed.

  13. So sorry for you loss…Marie was always full of energy kept her young at heart. Lawler has lost a true icon, may her memory live on! God bless the Speltz family. Clair & Sheri (Kleve) Dietzenbach

  14. My deepest sympathy to Red and the entire Speltz family. A true icon is dancing and telling jokes to everyone in heaven tonight.

  15. So sorry to hear about Marie. She was a funny, funny lady and I have many fond memories of when you all lived like two houses away!!!! Jenny – I know that you will miss your mom a great deal but just keep her memory in your heart and she will be there when you need her most. Love you all! The Muth Family (Jim, Sue, Alex and Kelsie)

  16. So sad to hear about Aunt Marie, and at the same time so many happy and funny memories come back of seeing her at family events. Such a lovely person, and what a great life she had! Lots of love from Germany, wish I could be there to celebrate her life with the rest of the Speltz clan! Jeff Krueger

  17. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob & Rose Otters

  18. Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to Red and the family. Marie was a wonderful lady always smiling and joking……….she would always brighten anyones day. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Sincerely, Jack and Laura Meissen Lyn (Meissen) and Chris Bruns

  19. I had the good fortune of knowing Marie during the two years that I taught at Turkey Valley. I coached Jenny and Mary in softball and basketball. Marie never missed a softball or basketball game, whether it was at home or on the road. She was truly a person who never seemed to have a bad day. While it’s been many years since I’ve seen her, I shall remember her as a person who so loved her family, and who allowed me to coach her two great young ladies. She always supported me as a new coach who learned a great deal during my time at TV. My sympathy goes out to the entire Speltz family. John Allan

  20. When I think of Marie I think of Turkey Valley softball games and state track meets. Marie was always providing entertaining commentary and keeping all of the spectators involved and entertained. She will be missed. My sympathy to all the Speltz’s.

  21. Marie was Lawler’s answer to Lucille Ball. I will truly miss seeing her at Bucky’s while she was buying the winning scratch ticket. You knew she would provide your laugh for the day. We extend our sympathy to the entire Speltz family and especially Spc. Paul who is miles away from family at this sad time. Thank you for serving our country.

  22. Was so happy to have spent some time with Marie last week and even though it was apparent she didn’t feel well, she never lost that Irish sense of humor. Marie will be deeply missed and Lawler will not be the same without her. Our deepest sympathies to the Speltz family and know your memories will be your greatest comfort in the days ahead. All our love from the Goss Family.

  23. To all the Speltz family. Marie was one of the classiest women I have known. it was never a trip back to Lawler unless I saw Marie and Red. Missed them last May but did get to spend a good amount of time with Steve, Joe, and Mary. I’m sure she is dancing around in Heaven. Our deepesr sympathy. Bob and Joanne Buelow

  24. I miss you so much Grandma, I wish I was there, but as you know I’m here in Afghanistan. I just wish I could see you and say my Good Byes. I love you so Grandma, I’ll never forget you and you will forever be missed Love you Apple Juice Spc. Paul, Kelcey

  25. My sympathy goes to the Speltz family. Marie was a wonderful woman and she wiill be greatly missed. I will always remember her at softball games cheering for her children. May God be with you and comfort you in the days ahead. Denise & Tracy Straw

  26. My sympathy to the Speltz family. Marie will be remembered as one of the last icons of real Irish Lawler wit. She was one fun lady and she will live vividly in our memories. Maggie Blazek Kraft

  27. My heart felt sympathy to the Speltz family. Marie was a gal with a huge heart and a huge love of life. I loved to hear her tell me her winning strategies in getting the ‘right’ lotto ticket. She was one and I feel fortunate to have known her. Jane Blazek

  28. My deepest sympathy to all the Speltz family, Marie was such a firecracker she always had a smile and I loved babysitting with all you kids. She was such a special lady to me and always so much fun to be around. I truly loved her and Red and all you kids. Love from your old babysitter Teresa Croell

  29. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Diana, and all the Speltz families at this time. She was a special lady, Cherish her memories for ever.

  30. Good bye dear,dear Marie-I will forever cherish all our ‘talks’ at the grocery store!!!! I’m sure you hit the ‘jackpot’when the gates of heaven welcomed you home!! You always said you would live forever because God only takes the best- well Marie- he needed the best for Christmas!!! shellie

  31. To the family-May God hold each of you extra close through this very sad time–cherish her memory- talk of her often and she will never be too far away!! She always lit up when she talked about all of her family!! Take care and God bless each and every one of you!!

  32. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE SPELTZ FAMILY AT THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE (MARIE). KEEP YOUR HEARTS OPEN TO ALL THE SPECIAL TIMES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE HEART BREAK. YOU ARE ALL SPECIAL TO US AND FEEL THE PAIN. GOD BLESS YOU ALL DAVE & MARGE MAYO 1080 KELLY DR. NASHVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 27856


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle