Spire, Francis Willard 1901 - 1971

SPIRE, MILLIKEN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/21/2011 at 14:06:21

Francis Willard Spire was born in Alcester Township in Union County January 18th, 1901 to Rachel and Benjamin Spire.

He passed away at his home in Akron, Iowa, August 17th at 12:30 a.m. at the age of 70 years and 7 months.

On December 25th, 1920 Francis was united in marriage to Marie Milliken at their farm home. A daughter, Joyce, was born to this union. They farmed north of Beresford until failing health, then made their home in Akron to be near their daughter and family. Mr. Spire was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Beresford, SD. and was baptized into this church. He taught the Adult Class for 35 years, was Superin- tendent of the Sunday School for several years, and fulfilled the pulpit at times in the absence of the minister. His life was devoted to his church, friends and loved ones. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. His health began to fail more and for the past ten weeks he was taken care of by his wife and daughter Joyce. In spite of all his pain he would try to have a smile.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, and daughter Joyce. Five grandchildren Lynn and Neal Seipp of Morgantown, West Virginia, Joy, Joan and Charles Seipp of Akron, one great-granddaughter Lisa Seipp, two sisters, Mrs. Martin Meyer, Beresford, SD, and Mrs. Chet Boyd of California, and one niece, Mrs. Marvin Carlson, Alcester, S.D., two brothers, Walter and Clarence Spire proceeded him in death.

Friends from Akron who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Anderson, and daughter Susan, Mr. and Mrs. Arden Boetger and son Craig, John Woskoff, Colin Coyle, Mrs. J. F. McVay, and Mr. and Mrs. Roger Banks, Lynn and Neal Seipp from Morgantown, West Virginia. Relatives from Monroe.SD and Sioux Falls also attended.

Services were held at the Evangelical United Brethren Church north east of Beresford, S.D., Thursday, August 19th, with Rev. Ralph Burdette of Akron and Rev. Walter Nelson of Beresford officiating. Interment was at the Zion Cemetery.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, August 26, 1971
Akron, Iowa