Felix Spiering

Felix Spiering, 83, of Webster, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at Avantara, Groton.

Mass of christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Christ The King Catholic Church in Webster. Military interment will be at St. Otto's Catholic Cemetery near Webster.

Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday, October 20, 2023 at the funeral home, closing with a rosary service at 7P.M.

Felix Leo Spiering was born September 3, 1940, to Elvy and Laura (Geis) Spiering at their family farm in Webster, South Dakota. Felix was the fifth of eight children; five brothers: Loren, Norman, Robert, Charles, and Ray, and two sisters: Delores and Carol. Felix attended school in a one room schoolhouse, Banner School, District 215, until 8th grade and continued to work on the farm where his parents taught him everything he knew. It was there that he learned his love of hard work and mechanics.

Growing up, Felix spent much of his time with his family having picnics at the lake, gardening with his mother, taking sleigh rides in the winter with his father, and attending banquets for organizations like the Farmers Union. He also loved bowling, going snowmobiling, and hunting. A patriot, Felix enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard where he proudly and honorably served his country for 25 years until he officially retired in 1990. His fellow soldiers praised his culinary skills as he was one of the best cooks in the SD National Guard.

Felix married his soulmate, Janell Rohde, on December 11, 1965, in Webster SD. Having grown up in a large family, Felix and Janell were blessed with their very own. To this union, six amazing children were born: Brian, Paul, Amy, Karri, Charla and Christopher. Felix and Janell are adored by 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Felix was an avid supporter of Bearcat athletics and all of his kid’s and grandkid’s activities. He spent much of his time traveling the state to cheer them on.  He enjoyed farming, tinkering around the shop, and restoring antique tractors. To make a living from a passion, Felix co-owned Holmquist Repair with his cousin, Harlan Lardy, and did his best to keep Pereboom’s Café in business being a regular. He is most proud of his work on his red 1948 International M tractor. He loved to drive his “passion projects” in Tractor Drives all over the state of South Dakota. He truly was the epitome of “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life”.

It was Felix’s mission in life to instill a strong work ethic in his children, living life everyday with the attitude of gratitude, and leaving behind a legacy of just that. If you were lucky enough to know Felix, you’d know he had a contagious smile and an incredible sense of humor. Though a man of few words, Felix was always cracking jokes and making wise remarks. Felix will be remembered for his gentle heart and hand, his unconditional love, and his admiration of John Wayne and old western movies alike.

Felix was a member of Christ the King Catholic church where he faithfully and humbly served the Lord. Felix was united with the Lord and drove his tractor through the Pearly Gates of Heaven on October 14, 2023, at Avantara in Groton, SD surrounded by the love of his wife of almost 58 years, all six of his children and many grandchildren. He passed away at the age of 83 years, 1 month and 11 days.

Grateful to have shared his life are his beautiful bride, Janell (Webster, SD), his six children and their families: Brian (Allison)Spiering of Billings, Montana, Paul (Linnae) Spiering of Sioux Falls, SD; Amy (Greg) Erlandson of Rapid City, SD; Karri (Greg) Wagner of Webster, SD; Charla (the late, Jason)  Shoemaker of Webster, SD; and Christopher (Sarah) Spiering of Webster, SD; his brother, Ray (Bernice) Spiering of Webster; many nieces and nephews; and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Elvy; his brothers: Loren, Robert, Norman, and Charles; his sisters Delores and Carol; his son-in-law, Jason Shoemaker; and his beloved dog, Tasha (Toonin’).