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Richard Milton “Dick” Spies

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Birth	:	20 Aug 1935 Plymouth County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	18 Jun 2012 Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Floyd Valley Cemetery, Hinton, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate	:	42.6556015, -96.2514038
Description	:	Richard "Dick" M. Spies, 76, of Merrill, Iowa passed away peacefully following a brief illness Monday evening, June 18, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. He was surrounded by his loving family. His funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Hinton United Methodist Church in Hinton, Iowa with Pastor Kolleen Queener officiating. Interment will be at Floyd Valley Cemetery rural Merrill, Iowa. Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012 at the Merrill-Melbourne United Methodist Church, 27987 Jade Avenue, rural Hinton, with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service Thursday evening at the church.... Read More	Richard "Dick" M. Spies, 76, of Merrill, Iowa passed away peacefully following a brief illness Monday evening, June 18, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. He was surrounded by his loving family. His funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Hinton United Methodist Church in Hinton, Iowa with Pastor Kolleen Queener officiating. Interment will be at Floyd Valley Cemetery rural Merrill, Iowa. Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012 at the Merrill-Melbourne United Methodist Church, 27987 Jade Avenue, rural Hinton, with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service Thursday evening at the church. Visitation will continue Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the Hinton United Methodist Church. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.carlsenfuneralhome.com. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren Kevin Wankum, Benjamin Wankum, Cameron Wankum, Josh Wankum, Alex Wankum, and Andrew Wankum. Honorary casket bearers will be Mikelle Wankum, Tess Wankum, Anna Wankum, Molly Wankum, Maddie Wankum, Sylva Wankum, and Erica Wankum. Richard Milton Spies was born August 20, 1935 on the family farm in Plymouth Township to Milton R. and Kathryn J. (Rush) Spies. The youngest of 4 siblings he was doted over by his three older sisters who remained dear to him throughout his life. Dick, as he was known to family and friends, attended Spies Country School near his family farm. In 1948 his family moved to Hinton. He later graduated from Hinton Community High School in 1955. Following high school, Dick attended Morningside College. He served his country as a member of the Iowa Army National Guard for 6 years. Activated into the U.S. 5th Army in 1958 he did his basic training in Missouri and furthered his training in California. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1964. As a young boy, Dick learned carpentry skills from his father. He worked as a self-employed master carpenter for many years. His craftsmanship can be seen in 100s of homes in the Hinton area, building lifetime relationships as he constructed homes for families. He also worked for 12 years maintaining the facilities and classrooms of the Hinton School System. Dick was proud of his community and worked tirelessly to make it a better place. He served as a member of the Hinton City Council from 1968-72. He later served as Mayor from 1986-87. During his tenure, the frontage road linking Marland Heights and the town of Hinton was developed. He was an early member of the Hinton Civic Club and an active member from 1955-1990. The Club organized annual street dances and barbeques. Many of the early celebrations included closing the main street, setting up a tent and hosting a carnival. The annual hole-in-one golf tournament was held without the benefit of a golf course. The local baseball diamond was used to determine the winner. A special treat for the children of Hinton was the once a year all you could eat watermelon night. In 1983, Dick was honored to be selected as the Chairman of the Hinton Centennial celebration. A 4 day celebration with parades, an all school reunion and a raft race down the Floyd River. He held a variety of offices within the all-volunteer Hinton Fire Department including Fire Chief. Dick was a talented and gifted singer. A song was always in his heart and not far from his lips. He sang for a number of years with the barbershop quartet, "Hi-Jynx". The singers were invited to numerous northwest Iowa communities to participate in talent nights. He later shared his talents for numerous weddings and funerals with his wife Jeanette. Dick was united in marriage to Jeanette Blum Wankum on April 25, 1986 at the Merrill Melbourne United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in Merrill in a beautiful house he built on a hill overlooking the town. Every year he created a colorful Christmas display that could be seen for miles. He used to joke about the personal thank you note he received from the power company each year. He was quick with a story that always included his big baritone laugh. No matter how many times he told the same story, he always told it with the joy of a new found toy. His counsel will be missed as he imparted wisdom and advice on his 4 boys and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Jeanette of Merrill; 4 sons, Michael and Clair Wankum of Scituate, MA, Patrick and Misty Wankum of Hinton, Matthew and Margaret Wankum of Merrill, and Mark Wankum of Moville, IA; 13 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Peg Carroll of Hinton and Joanne and Don Richards of Hinton; a brother-in-law, Don Lang of Hinton; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton R. and Kathryn J. (Rush) Spies; a sister, Lois Lang; a grandson, Caleb Wankum; and a brother-in-law, Delmar Carroll.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Richard Milton “Dick” Spies's memorial?
Richard Milton “Dick” Spies's memorial is located at: Floyd Valley Cemetery, Hinton, Plymouth County, USA.
When did Richard Milton “Dick” Spies death?
Richard Milton “Dick” Spies death on 18 Jun 2012 in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Richard Milton “Dick” Spies's memorial?
Latitude: 42.6556015
Longitude: -96.2514038

Family Members:

Parent

Milton Reuben Spies

(1898 - 1980)

Kathryn Jane Rush Spies

(1907 - 1977)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Floyd Valley Cemetery
Hinton, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6556015, -96.2514038

2. Hungerford Township Cemetery
Hinton, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6124992, -96.2533035

3. Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery
Hinton, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6330950, -96.1937720

4. Stanton Cemetery
Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6786003, -96.1900024

5. Mathwig Wetrovsky Cemetery
Le Mars, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6338000, -96.1723000

6. Assumption Catholic Cemetery
Merrill, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7214480, -96.2583450

7. Hillside Cemetery
Merrill, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7291985, -96.2544022

8. Lincoln Cemetery
Hinton, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6053009, -96.1753006

9. Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery
Neptune, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6447560, -96.1148360

10. Liberty Perry Cemetery
Hinton, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6557999, -96.3893967

11. Saint Paul Lutheran Cemetery
Adaville, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7484000, -96.3315000

12. Saint Joseph Cemetery
Johnson Township, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7416992, -96.3707962

13. Concordia Cemetery
Woodbury County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5186005, -96.2438965

14. Pleasant Valley Cemetery
Adaville, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7494011, -96.4005966

15. Memorial Cemetery
Le Mars, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7875000, -96.1504920

16. Saint Peter Cemetery
Brunsville, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8081017, -96.2767029

17. First Congregational Church of Christ Memorial Ga
Sioux City, Woodbury County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5492800, -96.4035900

18. United Church of Christ Cemetery
Sioux City, Woodbury County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5491900, -96.4041300

19. Calvary Cemetery
Le Mars, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7939000, -96.1527100

20. Union Cemetery
Remsen, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6917000, -96.0291977

21. Eberly Cemetery
Woodbury County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4822006, -96.2453003

22. Hancock Township Cemetery
Millnerville, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6124970, -96.4813510

23. Plymouth Presbyterian Cemetery
Brunsville, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8208760, -96.3318410

24. Logan Park Cemetery
Sioux City, Woodbury County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5377693, -96.4304810