John Richardt Spealman, Jr.

John Richardt Spealman, Jr., of Wataga, died suddenly doing what he loved, working, in Dubuque, IA, Thursday March 19, 2015.

John was born February 4, 1944 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of John Richardt and Mollie Ann Fischer Spealman, Sr.  After graduating high school, John went on to attend the University of Nebraska.  While in college he was in the Navy ROTC program.  John eventually went to work for BNSF, a career that lasted 40 years.  He retired in 2004 as a mechanical supervisor.  John tried retirement, but his love for work and never being able to have idle hands, sent him back into the workforce.  He went to work for EMR and currently was working for Sunpro as a hazmat and environmental specialist.

John married the love of his life, Yvonne Marie Fox on November 11, 1972 in White Bear Lake, MN.  She survives of Wataga.  John is also survived by one son, Randy (Corrine) Dunn of Lino Lakes, MN; two sisters, Joyce (Jon) Hedges of West Burlington, IA and Patricia (Jack) Busbee of Harlan, IA; two grandchildren, Cassandra (Glen) Yoder and Anthony John (Courtney  Mille) Dunn; and four great grandchildren, Kiryn, Annie Grace, Wesley John, and Owen Daryl. He is also survived by two sisters in law, Carletta Fox and Patricia Marier both of St. Paul, MN and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

John was a Christian man and enjoyed attending church, he also sang in many different church choirs over the years.  He was a third degree member A.F. & A.M. #54, Lincoln, NE.  He loved to boat and fish and working in the yard.  He also dearly loved his dogs, but most of all, John loved to be with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.  Private family services will be held in Minneapolis, MN.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Knox County Humane Society, 1855 Windish Dr., Galesburg, IL 61401.  Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.