Obituary of Casper Spiess

Casper Spiess, Jr. Casper Spiess, Jr., known affectionately as Cap, passed away peacefully at the age of 97, on April 19, 2019. The son of Casper and Katherine Spiess, who immigrated from Northern Europe to Saginaw, Michigan in the early 1900s, Casper was a first generation American, born on October 16, 1921. Having lost his mother at the young age of 12, Cap was always very close to his two older sisters, Katherine (Spiess) Bell, Ann (Spiess) Miller and his older brother, Henry Spiess, who all preceded him in death. A graduate of Arthur Hill High School, Cap attended college for two years while working at General Motors prior to serving in the U.S. Army. Cap served our country during World War II for over two years finishing his tour of duty with the Army Air Force as a tailgunner in a B-25 bomber. He flew 70 missions, primarily over Italy and Austria. Always a man of strong faith, he once reflected on that time and said simply, "The good Lord took care of me." After the war, Cap went to work for J. George Fisher and Sons as a salesman covering the territory of mid- and northern Michigan, retiring after 38 years, as sales manager. In 1948, Cap met the love of his life, Ruth Krogman from Hemlock, and they were married the following June, 1949. Faith, family and friends were cornerstones of their marriage. They were dedicated members of Peace Lutheran Church for 61 years and had two children, Chris and Charlie. They loved nothing better than to travel to or have visits around "Ruthie's kitchen table" with extended family and friends throughout their 62 years of marriage. Ruth passed away in 2011. Aside from Ruth, Cap's other passion was the game of golf, he played as many days of the year as weather would permit, mostly at the Germania Club, where he and Ruth were lifetime members. And many will remember Cap for his love of a good chat. Whether on the golf course, in his basement or on the back porch, Cap loved to sit and chat over a good cup of coffee, a cold beer, or a nice cocktail. Topics would often focus on the weather, old movies, Michigan football, golf or any other professional sport. Cap was greatly loved by those who survive him, including his daughter, Christine Hoffman of Saginaw and son, Charles Spiess and wife Deb, of Magnolia, Texas. He was a loving "Grandpa" to his grandchildren, Christopher Spiess and wife, Theresa, of San Antonio, Texas; Benjamin Hoffman of Long Island, New York; and Jessica Werner and husband, Bob, of Portland, Oregon as well two great-grandchildren, Luke and Natalie Spiess. Cap is also survived by nephews and niece, Dick Spiess of Detroit; Bill Spiess of Montana; and Kathy Neal of Spring, Texas. Cap's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Hoyt Nursing and Rehab Centre for the exceptional loving care given to Cap during his time there. MEMORIAL SERVICE- A memorial service honoring Cap will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019 at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave., Saginaw. Pastor Edward Kast will officiate. In accordance with Cap's wishes cremation has taken place. Burial and military honors will take place under the auspices of American Legion Post #439 and the United States Air Force at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. VISITATION- Family and friends will gather at the church on Friday, May 24, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to: Peace Lutheran Church Saginaw, MI 48602; PTSD Foundation of America-Camp Hope in Houston, TX who provide interim housing for our wounded warriors, Veterans and their family suffering from combat related PTSD, https://ptsdusa.org/camp-hope/ or the Fallen Patriots, who provide for higher education to the families of our fallen Patriots https://www.fallenpatriots.org/ Arrangements have been entrusted to Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Cap's family at the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.