Mass of Christian Burial for James “Jim” Spies was held at 10:30 a.m. April 20 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger. Officiant was the Rev. Merlin Schrad. Interment was at St. Jacob's Catholic Cemetery in Graettinger.
James Charles Spies, lovingly known as Spider, son of Adolph and Genevieve (Sands) Spies, was born Feb. 24, 1940, in Estherville. Jim received his education in Graettinger, graduating from Graettinger High School in 1958. After attending college, he returned home to farm. In July of 1960, Jim married Loretta Hall. This union was blessed with three children. In Nov. of 1980, he was married to Karen Haegele and her two daughters.
Jim was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and served on the finance committee for several years. He was also a director and chairman of the Board of Directors for Iowa Trust. Jim was a founding member of the Hillcrest Golf and Country Club and was a member of the Board of Directors. He took great pride in the Graettinger Fire Department, serving for 30-plus years as a fireman and then later as a trustee.
Spider was loyal, funny, and humble. He never knew a stranger and always had a joke to share. One of Jim’s greatest joys was farming the land he loved with Karen. He loved his family, fast cars, and motorcycles.
Spider passed away Friday, April 14, 2023, at his home in Graettinger, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Genevieve; and sister and brother-in-law Maryanna and Chuck Sarazine.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Karen; his children, Lori Spies, Matt (Marty) Spies, Molly (Brian) Westergard, Nicole (Travis) Henrickson, and Krista (Mike) Fuller; his grandchildren, Sammy (Jeff) Burns, Beau Craig, Sydney (Jeremy) Kelly, Grant Westergard, Alec Henrickson, Whitney Westergard, Noah Henrickson, Jeanna Fuller, Emma Henrickson, Nataley Westergard, Madeline Fuller, Sam Henrickson, and Abigail Fuller; two great-grandchildren, Oliva Vine and Braxton Westergard; first cousin, John F. Spies; five nieces and a nephew; along with his faithful sidekick, Tom Spies.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
