"Rita I am so sorry to learn of your husband\'s death. I couldn\'t fi couldn\'t find a address to send a card so I\'m just letting you know this way. I know you will miss him greatly. Suzanne Wobig"
In loving memory of
Edward H. Speltz
November 25, 1929 - September 16, 2021
After nearly 92 years of faithful service, Edward Harold Speltz went home to his loving God on Thursday, September 16, 2021. Born November 25, 1929 to Arnold and Lillian Maus Speltz in Rollingstone, Ed was the fourth of ten brothers and sisters. Growing up during the Great Depression quickly taught the entire family the value of hard work, a strong family unit, and a deeply rooted Catholic faith.
The foundation of Ed's life was to always be humble, show kindness to others, be proud of your work, and learn to get along. His mother, Lillian, would often comment how Ed helped with chores around the house and farm and never complained when things needed to be done.
Ed attended Holy Trinity School and was a faithful member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He worked as a hired hand for area farmers out of high school. In August, 1955 Ed married Rita Kalmes and from that union came six children. Ed was employed at Marigold/Springdale Dairies and later went on to join his brothers Jim and Joe at Speltz Brothers Gas and Oil, located at 177 Walnut Street in Winona. Ed delivered fuel oil to many areas customers in bitterly cold winters to keep folks warm; he also supplied batteries, tires, and other auto supplies to Phillips 66 service stations.
In 1997 Ed retired from the fuel oil business to work with his son Mark on the family farm in Rollingstone. To work alongside Mark and be part of the crops, land, animals, and machinery was Ed's greatest passion seven days a week, regardless of weather or health. Ed was always there, on time, reliable, and more than glad to help. Mark recently told his Dad: "Dad you are the best farming partner I could have ever had." Ed's passion to work everyday was deep and allowed him to be an active and proud farmer up until his death. Ed would often tell his children "I try to help Mark where I can, and I always do my best." It is this value Ed instilled in his children to always do your best and be proud of what you do.
Ed is survived by his loving wife Rita of 66 years and his children, all of Rollingstone. Together they were blessed with six children, Julie, Mike, Mark, Randy, Jackie, and Carla. Ed will remain in the hearts of his wife Rita and daughter Julie (John Kalmes), along with their children, Jason (Nicole), Jessica (Erik), Jordan (Michelle), Jonah (Jordan); Mike; Mark (Vickie) and their children Matt (Brianna) and AJ; Randy (Bev) with their children Keith and Elaina; Jackie (Jeff Schneider) and their children Janae (Andrew Rick), Tyler (Emma), Courtney (John), and Brittany (Adam Van Iten), and Carla (Scott Vetsch). Great grandchildren include Gabe, Sam, Jaiden, Jaxson, Ashlynn, Macie, Kasson, Johnny, and Jenoa. Also surviving Ed are his three brothers Joe (Mary) of Winona, Sam of Cochrane, and Kenny (Jayne) of Lino Lakes. Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Lillian, and his many brothers and sisters, Donald, Elaine, Jeanne, Annabelle, Rodney, Jim, and infant great grandson, Joshua John Kalmes.
Funeral Services will held on Saturday, September 25, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 - 11:30 AM and services immediately following. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Please share a memory of Edward and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"Paul Siebenaler September 27,2021 So sorry to hear f Ed\'s passing. I am truly sorry I missed the funeral as I was in New Mexico visiting my son and his family.."
"Sorry for your loss - may memories bring your family comfort and peace. I always enjoyed visiting with Ed and loved to have him on bus trips - him and Bob were quite the pair. They always gave me a bad time. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers!"
"We are so sorry to hear of Ed\'s passing and will miss his friendly wave every day. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Joyce and David Meyers "
"Rita and Family,sorry to hear about Ed\'s passing,he was such a kind,humble and gentle person.Ed and Rita were such good friends with my Mom --Bev Mueller Babler, for many many years before she passed away,she so enjoyed their visits on Saturday nights or Sunday after church.We will always carry the ones we loved in our hearts even though they are no longer here with us.Keep the memories close. Jill Mueller Beverly Mueller Babler\'s Daughter "
"Rita and Family,sorry to hear about Ed\'s passing,he was such a kind,humble and gentle person.Ed and Rita were such good friends with my Mom --Bev Mueller Babler, for many many years before she passed away,she so enjoyed their visits on Saturday nights or Sunday after church.We will always carry the ones we loved in our hearts even though they are no longer here with us.Keep the memories close. Jill Mueller Beverly Mueller Babler\'s Daughter "
"Rita and Family,sorry to hear about Ed\'s passing,he was such a kind,humble and gentle person.Ed and Rita were such good friends with my Mom --Bev Mueller Babler, for many many years before she passed away,she so enjoyed their visits on Saturday nights or Sunday after church.We will always carry the ones we loved in our hearts even though they are no longer here with us.Keep the memories close. Jill Mueller Beverly Mueller Babler\'s Daughter "
"We would like to express our most heartfelt sympathies to all of Ed\'s families at the loss of their husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa and in law. In all my years in calling on the Speltz Farm, my visits with Ed were always pleasant, cordial and informed. Ed had his daily routines and was going to see they were done and done correctly. Mark stated in the obituary that he could not have asked for a better farming partner. I full well believe that and am sure his presence will be sorely missed. Above all and most importantly, Ed had a love for his church and his God. His work here is complete. Heaven is his home. RIP Ed. Allan and Loni"
"Always the smile, always the kind word, always the greeting. A perfect gentleman!! Our condolences and best wishes to Rita and the extended family. God Bless. Dave & Kathy Greden"
"Sending you all my sympathies and condolences. Ed has left behind so many wonderful memories. "
"I was so shocked to read of Ed\'s death. Although a quiet man there was always a smile on his lips and humor in his eyes. We didn\'t get a chance to talk often but every time was a joy. My most sincere sympathies to Rita and the children. Remember, we never truly lose someone who lives on in our heart."
"Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa Ed was a great guy and will be missed, love Rick and Debbie "