Terry Spies
Terry R. Spies, age 66 of Hiawatha, passed away at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics on Saturday January 25, 2025. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Friday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapman’s in Clarence. Visitation will be held from 11:30 until service time. Burial will be in the Clarence Cemetery at a later date. The family requests you wear your favorite Chiefs, NASCAR or Hawkeye clothing to honor Terry.
Terry was born on November 14, 1958 to Ralph and Jean (Rohwer) Spies. He married Robin Roelf in 1982 and later divorced. He married Pamela Russell in 2009 and she passed away in 2011. He then married Debra Bell on September 23, 2015 in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Terry is survived by his wife Deb; sons Dusty (Katie) Spies and Matthew (Cait) Langguth; daughters Whitney (Shane) McDowell and Stephanie Langguth-Kalisch; honorary son (nephew) Brent Bell; 10 grandchildren; siblings Jim (Carol) Spies, Connie (Tony) Daluisio, Bob (Sue) Spies, Ronnie Spies, Gary Spies, Bonnie (Mark) Merritts-Meier, and Dick (Jan) Spies; sister-in-law Karen (Chuck) Oliver; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Diane Kessler; brother Dean Spies; and grandson Marley.
In his younger days, Terry enjoyed farming with his former father-in-law Bo, and friend Duane Dierks. He was then an owner/operator and company truck driver, both over the road and local, for 30+ years before retiring in December 2021 due to health reasons. Terry enjoyed motocross racing with his son Dusty when he was younger. He also enjoyed dirt track stock car racing, 70s music, going to flea markets, antiquing, traveling, tinkering on anything he could find in his garage, and browsing Marketplace, always looking for a deal and steal! He loved spending time with family and friends, especially with his wife, whether it was on the run all weekend or resting quietly at home. He was a talker, never met a stranger, and would strike up a conversation with anyone. He always greeted people he walked by, even if he didn’t know them, and would tell them to have a good day. If he said let’s stop and see one of his friends for just a minute, Deb knew to plan for at least an hour, maybe more! He was a protector, BS’er, had a heart of gold, and would offer a helping hand to anyone whether a family member, friend, or complete stranger. He had friends everywhere, and Deb always joked that she couldn’t go with him anywhere that he didn’t find someone he knew! Terry was an avid NASCAR, Kansas City Chiefs, and Iowa Hawkeyes fan.
The family would like to say a special thanks to his brothers, Gary and Dick, for being a 100% donor match and being more than willing to give their brother more years with us. Your time and sacrifices will never be forgotten! Dr. Jasmine Nabi and the staff at Hall Perrine Cancer Center, Dr. Umar Farooq and the staff at U of I Holden Cancer Center, the staff on the 3JCP Stem Cell Unit, the staff at the Hiawatha Care Center, and the Hiawatha Ambulance Crew.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.