SPILMAN, Dustin Lee 1983 - 2015

SPILMAN, WILDER, TORNESS, BERTRAM, MARINER

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 12/3/2017 at 10:07:50

Dustin Lee Spilman was born May 28, 1983, the son of Randy and Becky (Wilder) Spilman.

When he was small, he had a head that was disproportionately larger than the rest of his body, earning him the family nickname “Jughead,” however he grew into it and became a large, gentle, quiet, thoughtful man with a gift for making friends and making people laugh.

Dustin had a happy childhood spent in the loving embrace of his mother, who devoted her life to her children. He often bragged into adulthood of being a “momma’s boy” he enjoyed the adulation of both his mother and his grandmother, Lenna, who’s house he spent many fun filled afternoons being fed, nurtured and loved.

With the encouragement and push from his mother, whom he remained extremely close to throughout his short life, he joined the Boy Scouts and was blessed with fine scout leaders and earned his Eagle award, an achievement he was very proud of; he had a large eagle tattooed on his lower right forearm in recognition of this honor.

He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 2001 where he enjoyed watching and participating in all four seasons of sports. He continued to be an avid sports fan throughout his life.

He was confirmed into the Clear Lake United Methodist Church and went to church camp under the directorship of Jackie Cordon, first as a camper and then grew into a counselor, guiding others in their faith.

He continued that love for others by moving to Iowa City to be near his sister, who he shared a special bond with. While in Iowa City, he worked with people with special needs, helping them to live a life of independence and developed deep friendships with those individuals.

He was a hard worker and was employed by Clear Lake Water Tower when he was young and more recently by Winnebago Industries, where he met his fiancée and life partner, Heidi Torness. They were to be married on Oct. 17 of this year and enjoyed a passionate romance coupled with a mutual love of parenting. Dustin’s proudest moments were becoming and being a dad, and he would lovingly brag of his children’s many accomplishments to his many friends.

Dustin enjoyed relaxing with his pals, watching movies, especially classic gangster films, watching sports--especially his exasperating Chicago Bears. He liked playing video games.

He enjoyed spending time with his dad discussing Harley-Davidsons, shooting handguns, having a drink, reflecting on life, and watching a western.

If cooped up and confined his soul would darken, which eventually led him back to the road and water towers with their life of open air and sunshine that seemed to free his spirit. He enjoyed the feel of living on the edge, but life is a knife’s edge and sooner or later you’re going to fall and get cut. On April 27, 2015, like an eagle, he soared.

Dustin is survived by his parents, Randy “Hondo” and Becky (Wilder) Spilman, Clear Lake; fiancée, Heidi Torness, Ventura; his children, Kira Jane, Gemma Rose, Dallas Arthur, Ventura; sister, Katie (Jason) Bertram, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; nieces, Cecilia Mae and Eleanor Mia, Cedar Rapids; maternal grandmother, Lenna Wilder, Garner, Iowa; Godson, Trenton Jensen, Clear Lake, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Stewart Wilder; paternal grandparents, Daniel T. and Phyllis (Brower) Spilman; maternal great-grandmother, Yolanda (Calicchia) Mariner; uncles, Brian Wilder and Ronald Spilman; and his beloved dog, Tank.

A celebration of Dustin’s Life was held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Bernie Colorado officiating. Burial was in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake. Family suggests memorials to Dustin Lee Spilman memorial fund.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.