William E. “Billy” Spiegel

William E. “Billy” Spiegel, age 81, of Epworth, IA, completed his earthly journey on June 3, 2024, at home, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Billy’s life, please join us for his Celebration of Life at Locals Bar and Coffee Shop, 107 West Main Street in Epworth, on Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 1-5 pm. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Billy’s family.

Billy was born on November 18, 1942, to Albert and Bernadine (Burds) Spiegel. One could say that Billy was a social introvert, a man of few words, and a man of a serious nature in all areas of life.  Billy’s daily motto was ‘all work and no play,’ which in turn made his life relatively dull and boring.  One could certainly say those things, but those comments would be as far from the truth as one could get. For those who knew and loved Billy, and even those who simply crossed his path by random chance, knew he loved life, and didn’t take it too seriously. He never found himself in a moment that couldn’t be improved with one of his many good jokes, pranks, or humorous one-liners, followed by his unforgettable laugh.  His home and work life were blessed, not only because he was surrounded by family and friends that he adored, but undeniably because of his physical presence within both as well.  He was united in marriage to the one he always loved and adored, LuAnn Pitz, in 1964, and from that point on, life would never be the same in every good way that you could imagine.  Billy owned Spiegel Construction Excavating in Epworth for many years, with the last twenty-five years being with his son, Nathan as his partner.  He took great pride while driving around the area and reflecting on the countless projects he was involved in. Billy’s goal each day was to make someone’s day better, work hard, do quality work, and laugh often with those he encountered. 

Billy enjoyed sports of all kinds and played baseball for years in the area, even being inducted into the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.  He enjoyed playing baseball so much that he played on Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York, Arizona, and Las Vegas when he was in his 60’s with his oldest son, Chris and his sons. When the Yankee’s were taking the field, Billy gave that game his undivided attention. If a good game of Euchre or 5 Crowns was about to break out, Billy was going to grab a seat at the table and gently remind everyone who truly possessed the skills to win and if he was feeling sympathetic, he may even allow you to win a hand or two just for good measure.  Billy’s greatest joy was any time his grandchildren were by his side.  It’s difficult to imagine that there’s another Grandpa out there who played this role so perfectly, but he would definitely allow you to think so if it made you feel better.  We are all happier and better people for having known Billy, and our world is a better place for having him in it. May the Lord bless and keep you in His grace-filled arms until we all see your contagious smile once again.       

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Billy include,

his wife of 60 years,

LuAnn Spiegel;

his proud children,

Chris Spiegel, Rebecca (Peter) Smith, Abby Spiegel, and Nathan (Tammy) Spiegel;

his fourteen grandchildren that love him dearly,

Billy Spiegel, Cayden Spiegel, Shelby Spiegel, Emmalyne Smith (Richie Leahy), Elijah (Amanda) Sifuentes-Smith, Josephine Smith, (Andy Vujnovich), Sophia Smith (Adam Wessels), Augustine Smith, Isaiah Smith, Abraham Smith, Samuel Smith, Nellie Welsh (Andrew Keay), Lilly Welsh (Walker Ochs), and Atticus Welsh;

his siblings,

Gerrie (Marv) Roling, A.J. Spiegel, Mary (Buzz) McDermott, and Bob Spiegel;

his brothers and sisters-in-law,

Robert (Dorothy) Pitz, Steve (Judy) Pitz, Karen Wendt, Bonnie Pitz, Janet Pitz, Mary (Mark) Brown, and Deby Oberfoell;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Bill and Marie Pitz; his four grandsons, Skylar Hootmann, C.J. Spiegel, Lucas Spiegel, and Cyril Smith; his brother, Bobby Spiegel; and his brothers-in-law, David Pitz, Ronnie Pitz, and Jeff Oberfoell.

Billy’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their professional and compassionate care.  We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our family, friends and neighbors who have been so generous. We cannot thank you enough for all of the love we have been showered with during these very difficult days and we pray that the Lord blessed each and every one of you for your kindnesses.

To quote Billy…“You never work a day in your life if you love what you do” and “I loved my life”

Online condolences may be shared with Billy’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com