Larry Spielbauer
July 17, 1936 ~ December 18, 2015
Larry Spielbauer, 79, of Cedar Rapids, died at home on Friday, December 18, 2015. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, on Tuesday, December 22, at 10:30 a.m., Rev. David Beckman presiding. Visitation will be at the church starting at 9:30 a.m. one hour before the service. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his wife, Ellie; son, Greg (Jodi) Spielbauer of Brookfield, Wisconsin; daughter, Diane (Charlie Williams) Spielbauer of Iowa City, Iowa; grandchildren, Kate, Grant, Luke, and Theo; brothers, Joe, Arnold (Lorie), Frank (Jackie), Dan (Georgia), Jim (Dorcas), Tom (Ginger), and David; sisters, Hilda (Dick) Brooks and Cecelia Steger; and many nieces and nephews.
Larry was born on July 17, 1936, in Guttenberg, Iowa, to George and Frances (Rohner) Spielbauer. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Guttenberg, Iowa. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1958. He married Eleanor Hemesath on April 20, 1963, in Calmar, Iowa. Larry spent 34 years with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department working as a fire fighter and an inspector, retiring in 1996. Larry loved gardening, golfing, fishing, doing the crossword puzzle with his wife, Ellie, and telling a good story. He will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John; and sisters, Kathleen (Lowell) Eilers, Rosalyn (Earl) Schultz, and Helen (Don) Bolsinger.
Memorial donations may be directed to Hospice of Mercy or St. Matthew Catholic Church.
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Larry was always such an easy person to talk with. I will always remember how he made me feel welcome and important at family gatherings. Love to Ellie, Greg, Diane and their families on the passing of such a compassionate and caring husband, father, and grandfather.
Ellie and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Larry was a good friend. God Bless.
Ellie, Greg and Diane-Thoughts and prayers to the Spielbauer family at this time. Will remember all the good times when Larry and Ellie would come over or I would go over to their house with my parents and watch and listen to those pinochle games that went on. Larry always had a funny story and that grin would always make me wonder what story was going to come next. Just the nicest guy in the world. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Ellie ~ thinking of you and your family sending my thoughts and prayers.
Rose
Ellie and Family,
My sympathy is with you at this time. I worked with Larry at Fire Department. I remember his wit and humor. He had many (mostly funny) stories and tales about his time on the department. He totally enjoyed his work. He would talk about his family, Ellie and the children with such pride. He was a great guy and had made a lot of people laugh and smile about his tales of the Fire Department. He was a great person.
Joyce Bronner-Kach
Ellie, I am so sorry for your loss.
Jeanne Duppong
I remember while living with Larry and and 4 other wild guys back at 1059 rockford road in 1962 , He was just a great guy and we had a lot of fun together( especially after an evening at Danceland. He was just a super friend. Dennis Burrier
Ellie and Family, I’m sorry for your loss. I worked with Laryy at CRFD. Larry always had good advice and a story to go with it. A great guy. I’m glad I had the opportunity to work with him and enjoy his company.
Our sympathy to Ellie and her family from Keith and Nancy Sutherland, Friendly Hands.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Spielbauer family. May he rest in peace. God bless each of you.
So very sorry to hear about Larry, just seen him when John died may he rest in peace. Remember him at St Marys and the basketball court
Elaine and I would like to express our sympathy to the entire Spielbauer family in this trying time. We too have just lost someone dear to us and it’s especially painful near the holidays. For many years Larry would stop at Station 3 over his lunch hour and visit with us. I especially would get him off to the side and pry out some stories. What a treasure trove he had. He also helped me by being an ear in which to ask him questions and I have thanked him many times for the good advice. God Bless and keep you Larry!
My husband Alfred and myself offer our condolences to Ellie and the Spielbauer family. Larry will be missed especially his warm greetings and smiles to us every time we meet at church. We are glad we met him and so sorry for your loss.
Alfred and Hiyam Freiha
My sincerest condolences. Larry’s smile, laughter and deep voice were what set him apart! I worked with Larry on the CRFD and always enjoyed when he stop out to the stations. Seeing him at St. Matthew Catholic Church or at a retirement stage always gave us an opportunity to catch up. May he rest in peace.
Sending our condolences. We always enjoyed seeing Larry. His stories and smile made our days so much brighter. Thinking of his loved ones during this difficult time. Sincerely Dr Collins and Noelridge Team
Greg and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad! I know he was a wonderful guy. One of my fondest memories is of Greg playing with my lighter at Loras and saying “it’s OK, my father is a firefighter”.
We’ve made a donation to Hospice of Mercy in honor of your dad.
Wishing you much love and peace,
Amy Blouin & Family