John Edward Spiess

John Edward Spiess, 90, a longtime resident of Naples, FL died on Sunday, May 8, 2011 in Bonita Springs. He was born May 10, 1920 in Elgin, IL, the son of Joseph C. and Edna Spiess. He 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, he worked at Joseph C. Spiess Company in Elgin as a buyer and merchandise manager; he eventually rose to the position of President and CEO.
He 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 long time members of the Church of Redeemer and Elgin Country Club and also summer residents of Minocqua, WI where they belonged to the Minocqua Country Club. John and Priscilla became residents of Naples and members of the Moorings Country Club in 1978.
Survivors include three daughters Anne (Neil) Levy of Los Angeles, CA, Mary (Douglas) Smith of Zionsville, IN and Joan (James) Julow of Bonita Springs, FL; as well as eight grandchildren, Sarah and Hanna Levy, Bradley (Jacque), Geoffrey (Meghan), Emily Smith, 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 the Bluff city Cemetery in Elgin with the Rev. Mary Harriss, Deacon Emeritus officiating. Laird Funeral Home is handling the burial arrangements. Memorial may be sent to Hope Hospice of Southwest Florida, www.hopehospice.org, or the Church of the Redeemer, 40 Center Street, Elgin, IL, 60120.
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