JOHN EDWARD SPIESS

John Edward Spiess John Edward Spiess, 90, a longtime resident of Naples, Fla., died May 8, 2011, in Bonita Springs, Fla. He was born May 10, 1920, in Elgin, Ill., the son of Joseph and Edna Spiess. John grew up in Elgin, graduating from the Elgin Academy, where he was on the track and field and football teams. He received a bachelor of science degree in commerce from Northwestern University. After graduation, John worked at Joseph C. Spiess Company in Elgin as a buyer and merchandise manager. He rose to the position of president and CEO of the Joseph C. Spiess Company. John was active in the community, serving as president of the Illinois Retail Association and Elgin Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member of the First National Bank of Elgin and Elgin Community Chest of United Way. In 1949, he married his wife, Priscilla, and together they raised four children. John and Priscilla were longtime members of the Church of the Redeemer and Elgin Country Club. John along with his wife, were summer residents of Minocqua, Wis., and belonged to the Minocqua Country Club. John and Priscilla became residents of Naples, Fla., and were members of the Moorings Country Club in 1978. Survivors include three daughters, Anne (Neil) Levy of Los Angles, Calif., Mary (Douglas) Smith of Zionsville, Ind. and Joan (James) Julow of Bonita Springs, Fla.; as well as eight grandchildren, Sarah and Hannah Levy, Bradley (Jacque), Geoffrey (Meghan) and Emily Smith, and John (Jenny), Joshua and Jaclyn Julow. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Priscilla, with whom he shared 49 years of happy marriage; and their daughter, Sally West. A private burial service will be held at Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin with the Rev. Mary Harriss, Deacon Emeritus officiating. Laird Funeral Home is handling the burial arrangements. Memorials may be sent to the Church of the Redeemer, 40 Center St., Elgin, Ill. For information, 847-741-8800 or www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com.