W. "Arlie" Spiess, age 75, of La Porte, passed away unexpectedly on September 26, 2014 at IU Health La Porte Hospital.
He was born in San Pierre, IN, on October 15, 1938 the son of Walt and Lila Mae (Collins) Spiess.
On April 25, 1959, he married Patricia K. Tesmer. Together, they shared over 55 years of marriage.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Spiess of La Porte; 5 children, John (Sue) Spiess of La Porte, Jay Spiess of Indianapolis, IN, Janet (Mike) Lashinis of La Porte, Jill (Andy) Sickinger of Mill Creek, IN, and Jennifer (Korey) Wrobleski of Eden Prairie, MN; ten grandchildren, Jessica, Amanda and her husband, Mike, Paige, Danielle, Mason, Tabatha, Madelyn, Ryan, Matthew, Tyler; a great-grandson, Elijah; and two brothers, Fritz (Pat) Spiess and Norm Spiess.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sister, Gloria and Carolyn.
Walter graduated from La Crosse High School in 1956 and was a La Crosse Hall of Fame basketball player. He worked as a service account manager for Coca Cola for over 32 years and was awarded Top Food Service Manager as a result of his constant dedication. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte where he served as an usher and on the Parish Council. He was a lifetime member of the Polish Falcons and was also an avid fan (to say the least) of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Arlie will be greatly missed, especially by his best friend and dog, Caesar.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in his honor at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte, IN, on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery in La Porte.
Family and friends will be received from 3-7 PM on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center as well as one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the La Porte Animal Shelter, 2855 West State Road 2; La Porte, IN 46350 or Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 201 Bach Street, La Porte, IN 46350. .
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.