James Speiss Sr.

James "Jim" Speiss, Sr., 68, of St. Peter died Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the St. Peter Community Hospital in St. Peter. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in Nicollet with Pastor Daniel Schnabel officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Lawn Cemetery rural Nicollet. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home on Tuesday. To leave online condolences or to sign the guestbook for the family go to, www.mvfh.org. Jim is survived by his wife, Juanita of St. Peter; daughters and son-in-law, Debbie and Don Attenberger and Rhonda McGuire all of St. Peter; sons and daughter-in-law, James and Laura Speiss, Jr., Donnie Speiss, Dave Speiss all of St. Peter; grandchildren, Amanda and Brittany McGuire and Meagan Speiss; great grandchild, Brianna Rae Irene Petrick; Sister and brother-in-law Joy and Dale Melvin of Mankato; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan Speiss of Prior Lake, Melissa Speiss Dosch of Buffalo, Marlys and Dick Stevens of Washington, Utah; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Earl and Gary Speiss. James Lawrence Speiss was born on February 21, 1941, to Lawrence and Myrtle (Martin) Speiss in New Sweden Township, Nicollet County. He went to school at Districts 32 and 4, before leaving in the 10th grade to help with the family farm. He was united in marriage to Juanita Meloy on March 23, 1959. Jim worked for Bill's Trucking in Le Center for 17 + years, Dart Transit in Eagan for 10 years and at Bay and Bay Transit in Rosemount for 5 years. He retired in 2006 with failing health. Jim's hobby and passion was truck driving.