Roger Spiess

Roger Spiess, the son of Theodore Louis and Lucille F. (Halder) Spiess, was born Sept. 9, 1945, in Lake City. Roger grew up on a farm in Fonda, showing animals at the county fair and racing cars. He graduated from Our Lady of Good Council Catholic School in Fonda, and went on to earn a bachelor of science degree at Northwest Missouri State University. Roger held many careers including flower shop owner, computer technician, realtor and thorough-bred horses and greyhound dog owner. Roger loved watching greyhounds race, enjoyed watching sports, coaching, golfing, the Iowa Hawkeyes, being on the computer, spending winters in Florida and his family. He was chairman of the board for the Newton Nite Hawks semi-pro football team. Roger was a devoted Catholic and believer in Jesus Christ. He was known for his quick wit and loud laugh.

Roger died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. He was 69 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those left to honor Roger’s memory include his son, Shannon Spiess of Eagen, Minn.; his daughter, Andrea (Brian) Smith of Newton; beloved grandchildren, Cade, Connor, Grace, Noah, Lucas and Hunter; and his partner in life for 24 years, Janet Smith of Newton.

A funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. A time of visitation with the family will be held Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home. A public vigil service will begin at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be designated in Roger’s name to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.