SPILMAN, Ronald Douglas (1951 - 2011)

SPILMAN, BROWER, BERTRAM, ANDERSEN

Posted By: Gayle P. Snow (email)
Date: 4/6/2023 at 21:36:38

Ronald “Ron” Spilman, 60, passed away at his home in Tucson, Az. on Dec. 1, 2011.  There will be a memorial service Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m., at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, with Pastor Mark Dobel officiating.   Visitation with family will begin at 1 p.m.  The family requests that memorials be made out to the Ronald Spilman Memorial Fund or to the Humane Society of North Iowa.

Ron was born Aug. 10, 1951 in Thornton, Iowa to Daniel and Phyllis (Brower) Spilman.  He graduated as valedictorian from Meservey – Thornton High School in 1969.  After high school he went to NIACC and was in the top 20 percent of his class.  He worked with Alice Blackmore at the Humane Society for about 20 years.  He also worked at Blackmore Nursery for many years.  Enjoying travel, he ended up going to Idaho and Colorado for a while, before ending up in Arizona and owning his own business.

A prankster with many hobbies, he had a talent for picking up languages, learning German in school, teaching himself Spanish and even picking up a little Navajo over the years.  He enjoyed motorcycles, riding his Harley up here in the summers to visit.  He got his pilot’s license and even got the opportunity to fly a jet.  He loved popcorn and would eat it for several meals a week.  
Ron is survived by his father, Daniel Spilman; his brother, Randy Spilman; his sister, Kathy Spilman, all from Clear Lake.  He is also survived by a nephew, Dustin Spilman; nieces, Katie Bertram (Jason), Ashley Spilman, and Shelby Andersen (Jim); his best friend, Helen Leslie; his many friends; and his beloved pets.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

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