Roy H. “Gabby” Spieker

Roy Spieker

Roy Henry “Gabby” Spieker, 91, of Kenosha passed away on October 25, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Roy was born on January 15, 1929 in Burlington, WI to Frank and Julia (Freund) Spieker. Roy was raised on his family’s farm in Burlington and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Burlington. After graduation, Roy worked on the farm until he went to work at Nash Kelvinator. Roy then served in the United States Army from 1951 until he was honorably discharged in 1953. For 30 years Roy worked for the Kenosha Fire Department, retiring in 1985 with the rank of EMT Lieutenant. He also worked part-time for SPEBSQSA as head of the press room for 41 years. In October of 1948, Roy met the love of his life, Ethel Kroening, at a Fireman’s Ball at the Eagles Club. They married on September 16, 1950 and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Roy enjoyed spending time traveling with his wife, volunteering for the Meals On Wheels program and working on home projects. There was nothing that Roy couldn’t fix or paint. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kenosha. Roy will be remembered for his humor and smile that could light up a room.

Roy is survived by his wife Ethel, his children Steven (Vincencina) and Karla (Anthony) Montemurro of Kenosha; Kurt (Michele) of Oak Creek; son-in-law Wayne Wojciechowski of Onalaska. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Scott (Laura) Spieker, Elisabeth Montemurro, Emily (Jeremiah) Riedler, Megan (Zach) Fry, Erin (James) Koceja and Derek Spieker; great-grandchildren Graham, Avery and Sofia.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kathleen Vogelsang, and daughter Joan Wojciechowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Roy will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (7307 – 40th Avenue). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Mass will be for immediate family only. If you wish to view the Mass, please click on https://youtu.be/ARs6n3Azg-0 for the live webstream of the Mass for Roy. A visitation with the family will be held on Saturday at the Kemper Center – Founders Hall (6501 – 3rd Avenue) from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Seasons Hospice and Kenosha Firefighters CARE (Community Assistance Response Effort) would be greatly appreciated. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring staff at Casa del Mare and Seasons Hospice.

Thoughts for Roy H. “Gabby” Spieker;

  • Carol Madsen - Hopkins says:

    My sincere condolences to the family, especially Ethel. Gabby was a wonderful person.
    Prayers, Carol Madsen-Hopkins

  • Richard A. Bosanko-Battlalion Chief-Retired-Kenosha Fire Dept. says:

    To Ethel and Family: On behalf of the Kenosha Fire Department FAMILY, both ACTIVE and RETIRED members, our sincere sympathy to all of you on your loss of Roy. We share in your sorrow. We wish you many fond memories of Roy and the good times that you all shared together as a family. We certainly have many. “Roy Henry” was a BROTHER firefighter to us, and we loved him as such. He was a good firefighter and the care and compassion he showed to all of his patients while serving on the rescue squad is part of his legacy. Steve, we’ve “got your back”, BROTHER.
    God Bless Our Fallen Brother, Lieutenant Spieker.

    Richard “BO” Bosanko-Battalion Chief-Retired
    Kenosha Fire Department

    • Michael/Therese De Fazio says:

      To Ethel and Family,
      It is with deep sorrow that we read about the passing of Roy. You have our prayers and thoughts with you and your family at this most difficult time. We were very fortunate to have the pleasure of knowing Roy and your family while we were members at the old St. George. Roy was always a kind hard working guy. A man of deep faith, a family man, a very Christian man. Roy always wore a smile. He will be missed by many.
      Mike and Terri De Fazio

  • Lawrence Stenholt Michelle Trottier says:

    To Ethel and Famiy,
    Michelle & I woud like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Roy. I worked with Roy for 24 years and always found
    him to be someone that I respected and could have a great conversation with, either serious or funny. Will always remember that
    phrase he had for me while we were on the fire department together: (I ain’t selling and I ain’t buying.) He will be missed! God Bless!

  • My deepest sympathy to you, Ethel and all your family. Fond memories of Roy’s professional, kind, and gentle way of handling patients he brought into St. Catherine’s and on house calls while wearing that warm smile. My thoughts are with you. Te

  • To Ethel and Her Dear Family
    We always enjoyed being with your husband and your family during family get togethers. We loved when Gabby told stories about growing up in Burlington and we enjoyed listening to each and every one of them! His happy spirit and sense of humor will always bring a smile to our faces. We also loved the fact that he was so excited to know that James was from Burlington when he met Erin. He welcomed James into your family immediately and it made us so happy that they had this connection.These are the memories we will cherish about your wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.
    We wish you peace and Faith that we will all see each other again.
    With Sympathy,
    Rick and Nancy Koceja

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