Spihlman, H. "Speelie"

Gerald H. “Speelie” Spihlman, 71, of St. Rose, died Monday, February 11, 2013 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. He was born July 26, 1941 in St. Louis, MO, son of Frank and Helen (Robke) Spihlman. He married Judith A. “Jude” Grapperhaus on October 25, 1968 in St. Rose and she survives in St. Rose. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Jacquelyn A. (Terry) Beer of Breese, Gina (Kelly) Markus of Aviston, and Karey “Whitey” (Sean) Bain of Troy; seven grandchildren, Jeremy “Herm” (special friend, Stephanie) Markus, Meghan (special friend, Shawn) Beer, Mariah Markus, Cameron Beer, Karlie Markus, Mya Bain, and Connor Bain; a sister, Virginia “Ginny” (Tom) Werner of Pocahontas; a brother, Walt, (Ruth Ann “Raz”) Spihlman of Trenton; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Roger & Sandy Grapperhaus of St. Peters, MO, Marvin & Connie Grapperhaus of Marine, Kevin (fiancée, Jaclyn) Grapperhaus of Jamestown, and Mary Kay & Tim Plocher of Highland; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis & Elvera Grapperhaus. Mr. Spihlman retired after 44 years with Ford Motor Company in Hazelwood, MO. Following his retirement he worked for Rehkemper Construction. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and a member of St. Rose Parish and Men’s Sodality; the American Legion Post 252 in Breese; UAW Local 325 in St. Louis, MO; and the St. Rose Development Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and being involved in his grandchildren’s activities. He also enjoyed being a part of the Coffee Drinkers of Aviston Social Society. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at St. Rose Catholic Church in St. Rose with Rev. Ed Schaefer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Rose Cemetery in St. Rose. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2013 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Hempen Funeral Home in Breese. The American Legion will visit the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Clinton County Relay For Life or to the St. Rose Church Building Fund and will be received at the funeral home.