Patricia “Pat” Spiess, 83 of LaCrosse, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Moses Caregivers in Valparaiso. She was born December 22,1940, in Hebron to Marshall & Wilma (Heinold) Stuck and graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1958. Pat worked at the LaCrosse Public Library for 54 years and was one of many who were instrumental in building a new, beautiful library in town. She was always going above and beyond to provide extra activities at the library that enhanced the lives of many children and later their children. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, LaCrosse and served on the Ladies Aid. Pat volunteered her time at the Alumni Banquet, the town voting precinct, Halloween costume judging and wherever else she was needed. She was a remarkable seamstress and shared her talents as a 4-H leader, making LC Tiger cheerleading outfits and always found time to make matching outfits for her 3 daughters for every holiday and special occasion.
Some of her favorite activities included golfing, camping, bowling and gardening. In 2017 she was awarded the Circle of Corydon, a Hoosier who has made remarkable contributions to the betterment of Indiana and its people, demonstrating through life and service, qualities exemplified by the state's greatest citizen. The award was presented at the LC Tiger Den during a basketball game which she attended as often as she could. Her grandchildren would also award her the "Best Nana Award" because she loved spending time with them and always made sure their visits were memorable and filled with fun activities. Her great grandson was a special blessing that brought her so much joy and love.
On October 3, 1959, at the Valparaiso University Chapel she married Gerald (Fritz) Spiess. They were married 60 years. They had three daughters, Lora Spiess of Odenton, Maryland, Lisa (Scott) Barlag of Valparaiso, Lynn (Troy) Alexander of Springfield, Illinois, brother, Robert (Deborah) Stuck of Lake Wylie, SC, grandchildren, Kelsey Talmadge, Nicholas (Sabrina) Talmadge, Alec Witner, Kaelyn Witner and great grandson, Beckham Talmadge. She was preceded in death by her husband and brother, Raymond Stuck.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at Kosanke Funeral Home 309 S. Main St., Kouts, with a Funeral Service beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in LaCrosse. Memorial donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church of LaCrosse.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry to hear of the death of your mother, Lisa. I remember her as gracious, loving, and affirmative. I enjoyed my interactions with her when she came to Kelsey's and Nick's activities at school. I also had opportunities to visit with her when I brought Caleb Comfort Dog to your father's care facility. I will pray that God's peace would fill and surround you. I would come to the service, but I am down with covid. -Susie Hord
