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Karl W. Spieker

Karl W. Spieker

Karl W. Spieker, age 59 of Eau Claire, formerly of Durand, died Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Clearwater Care Center in Eau Claire after a battle with heart disease.

Karl was born on November 14, 1957 in Milwaukee. He was the son of Neil and Geraldine “Brooks” (Deschner) Spieker. Karl grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from James Madison High School. After high school, Karl attended St. Olaf University in Northfield, MN where he also did his seminary school. Karl married Lori Knutson, together they had children and later divorced. Karl’s first call was to Staples, MN where he served for seven years. In 1988, he took the call to be the minister of Faith Lutheran Church in Durand until he retired from the ministry. Karl moved to Eau Claire in 2006 where he was heavily involved in the Alcohol Anonymous program, where he continued to serve and help other people. In 2014 his health forced him to retire.

Karl enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, watching his children’s sporting events and taking care of his dogs. His passion in life was helping people through ministry and in times of need. Most of all, Karl loved to spend time with family and friends.

Karl is survived by his children; Kaleb (Lindsey Radle) of Burnsville, MN and Kristine (Nate) Dixon of Eden Prairie, MN, two granddaughters; Kaydence and Kiya, two brothers; Tim of Gwinn, MI and Steve (Carol) of Milwaukee, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, September 15, 2017 at Faith Lutheran Church in Durand. At the request of the family please wear your Green Bay Packer attire to help celebrate Karl’s life!

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

  1. Brian Palmer

    Grew up with Karl. He, I, and Scott Faehnel were practically inseparable for 6 years. Lost touch in college and sad to hear of his passing.

  2. Patti Blount

    I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Karl. He was a very nice man when he came to the Library every once in a while.

  3. Tauna

    I'm so glad I got to meet and get to know Karl. When I worked where he was living. I enjoyed taking him to church, reading him devotionals and praying with him. He was strong in his faith and loved talking about his kids and grandkids. He will be missed.

  4. Dan & Jeanette Richardson

    To Karl's family, our love & prayers. Pastor Karl was minister friend of ours. Through his efforts at the Food Pantry, Durand Area Clergy Association and his call to pastor Faith Lutheran. Karl was unassuming in nature and honest in his motivations. We lost a dear man.

  5. Tori

    Sorry to hear this , I cared for your dad when he was with us ... sending prayers to all of you!

  6. Glenys Kraft

    So sorry for your loss. Sending Blessings your way. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We thought a lot of Karl and know he will be in a better place.

  7. Heidi & Tom Saddoris

    We were so sorry to hear about Karl's death. We'd lost touch over the last few years but always liked him. He was a good man. You're all in our thoughts and prayers.

  8. Don and Jane Rahman

    Kaleb and Kristen....

    Our sincere sympathies to you at Karl's passing. He was a marvelous person and did many, many positive things for the youth of our congregation! Jane and I along with others, worked with Faith Youth on a number of mission trips which were instituted and supported by Pastor Karl. We saw many, many positive learning experiences for our kids during these trips.

    Karl helped introduce our students to the power they had to make a positive change in the lives of others served during these mission trips. It is our hope that the power of what your dad instituted in our congregation carries through to the many other people in congregations around the country who had been served during those trips.

    And, most importantly, we pray that the impact which we saw in those trips multiply within the communities served by members of those congregations and communities today. One can only pray that those positive things that we saw our students experience are exemplified by those who were served along the way.

    Our prayers are with the two of you, Lori, and your families ! You are very special people !

    We are sorry that we can not attend the celebration of life...but will be attending a wedding this weekend...kind of seems like what your parents might have done!

    Best wishes always....

    Don and Jane Rahman

  9. Georgia Brown

    It was such a blessing to have you in my life, Karl. We joked about being almost twins since our birthdays were a month apart. We shared a love for the joy of recovery and you welcomed me at the first meeting I attended. Thank you for sharing your experience, strength, and hope. See you later for another meeting and a Packer party. Much love and gratitude. <3

  10. Jan (Zempel) Priebusch

    My thoughts and prayers are with Karl's family. Although I have not seen Karl for many years, we were once very good friends at Mt Carmel Church, and I have missed him much. May your memories comfort you.

  11. Stephen and Janet Schiell

    Our prayers are with you. Karl loved the travel basketball when we all were all young. Kristine got "dragged" to the all day games and was "lucky" to watch Kaleb play. Karl is a great person that will be missed!

  12. My sincerest sympathy to Kaleb and Kristine. There were two of my treasured students. Your Dad was so well liked by many in Durand. I wish you many happy memories .

  13. pat petrie/ kurth

    My sincerest sympathy to Kaleb and Kristine. There were two of my treasured students. Your Dad was so well liked by many in Durand. I wish you many happy memories .

  14. Nick and Sue Sperger

    Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

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