Ronald J. Spehle, 78 of Eau Claire passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire.
Ron was born on July 23, 1941 to Joseph and Elnora (Campbell) Spehle in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1959. One of his first jobs was hauling black dirt. Ron married Nancy Hayden on April 5, 1975 in Eau Claire. He later worked as a mason and was a plural member of the Masonic Temple Lodge #112 in Eau Claire and Buffalo River Lodge #252 of Mondovi. Ron was first a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Brunswick and later worked as a full-time firefighter for the City of Eau Claire. In his later years, Ron worked for Ayers. Ron was a lifetime farmer and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Ron was always ready to lend a hand or help with anything else that was needed. He always sang the song “The Auctioneer” like a professional. Ron has left his mark all over the community being a ready source of history, advice, stories, and a listening ear.
Ron is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy Spehle of Eau Claire; children, Heather Spehle of Eau Claire and Ryan (Brianna) Spehle of Eau Claire; granddaughter, Riley Spehle; sister, Karen Bacik of Connecticut; and many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Janet; and sister, Mary Ellen Zachman.
A funeral service will be Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 11:00 am at Saving Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor David Irgens officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, October 11, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel with Masonic Ceremony at 6:45 pm by Lodge #112 and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will follow the service at Brunswick Cemetery.
Nancy, Ryan and Heather and Brianna,
Joe and I are so saddened to hear of Ronnie’s sudden death. He was a true gentleman and we will treasure our many fun-filled times together and his wonderful stories and humor.
May God Bless you all and hold you tightly during this most difficult time.
Love and Hugs, Bonnie
I am so sorry for Your loss.
I’m sorry to hear about Ronnie. You are in our Prayers.
Karen (Oma), our deepest sympathy to you and the Spehle family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John & I are so sorry to hear of the death of your husband, father & brother Ronnie. We especially enjoyed the visits with Ronnie & Mary Ellen as he was quite a story teller & just plain fun to hang out with! Please accept our sincerest condolences, God bless & keep you!♥️??♥️?♥️???♥️
Heather,
Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love you!
I am so sorry for your loss. Ronnie will be missed by many, may he Rest In Peace.
Nancy, Heather, & Ryan, my deepest condolences with your loss. “Ronnie” will be missed by all. You couldn’t find a nicer guy. Always willing to help anyone with anything, putting others before himself.
Spending summers at my Grandpa’s farm, I got to know Ron. Every time we would drive up “Spehle’s Hill” you would look to your left and see if Ronnie was home so you could stop and visit. Ron always had news, a story, good advice, or a really funny joke to tell. Some of my best jokes I remember I learned from Ron.
I remember the summer Larry built his new barn and Ron troweled all the cement in the mangers. Grandpa wanted it that way because Ron could put the best finish on the cement to make it last a long time and look the nicest where people would see it.
I think everyone has good stories and memories of Ron.
Nancy, Heather and Ryan,
I will always remember Ronnie, growing up we visited frequently with the Spehle family and always enjoyed playing and visiting with Ronnie and all. Over time he was a great help and friend to my parents as they grew older. All my sympathy to all in the loss of a good person.
Ric Kopp
so sorry for your loss
Ric Kopp
Sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, from a brother Firefighter and friend. He was a great guy and he will be missed
Our sympathy to the whole family. It is so hard to lose someone you love.
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Ronnie was an amazing guy. He always left you with a smile on your face or some good advice…sometimes both! He will be sincerely missed.
My deepest sympathy,
Pam MacKnight