Philip H. Speidel
Philip H. Speidel, 86, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, November 1, 2024 at his son’s residence in Oregon, Wisconsin.
Philip Hayward Speidel was born at home near Wayland, IA, on May 14, 1938. He was the son of Harold Frederick and Josephine Alice (Phillips) Speidel. He attended grade school at the Sloughville Public School in rural Jefferson County, and graduated from the Brighton Independent School District in 1956. Phil matriculated to Iowa Wesleyan College and was conferred with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Science in 1960. On August 14, 1960 at the Unity Presbyterian Church in Clarksville, IA, Phil was united in marriage to Sandra Kay Miller.
Phil began his career in education as a 6th grade teacher for the Marion (IA) School District. During that time, he began the studies for his Master’s Degree at the University of Iowa, and received that degree in 1965. From 1968-1974, Phil was the principal of Cody Elementary of the Pleasant Valley School District in LeClaire, IA. From 1974 to 1985, Phil was the Principal of the Harlan, Saunders and Van Allen Elementary Schools in Mt. Pleasant. Phil made a career change and accepted a position with L.J. Roth. He continued his career in farming as well during that time. When he retired from LJ Roth at age 65, he continued to farm for several years.
Phil was a member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church where he had served as an Elder and Past President of the Congregation. He was a member of the Lions Club. For the past 25 plus years, Sandy and he owned and operated Ten K Kennels, where they raised Siberian Huskies. For many years, Phil attended and assisted at the John Bear Grease Dog Sled Race near Duluth, MN (a Iditarod qualifying race).
Those thankful for sharing in Phil’s life include his wife of 64 years, Sandy of Mt. Pleasant; 4 children – Denise Balchunas of Mt. Pleasant, Dennis (Stacy) Speidel of Mt. Pleasant, Darren (Lynn) Speidel of Oregon, Wi and Danielle Speidel of Madison, WI; a sister – Shirley Schooley of Brighton, IA; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
The funeral service for Phil will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 9 at the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 910 E. Mapleleaf Drive, Mt. Pleasant. The Revs. Michael R. Scudder and Chris Hinkle will officiate. Burial will be in the Richwoods Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant. Friends may call from 2-8 PM on Friday, Nov. 8 at the church. The family will be present from 5-7 PM.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to Faith Lutheran Church, All God’s Creatures of Mt. Pleasant, Homeward Bound (a Siberian husky rescue group) and the American Heart Association.
The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Phil and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.
