Obituary of Sylvester Anthony Spieker

Sylvester A. "Pat" Spieker, 96 of Hillsboro Oregon, passed away Friday, October 4, 2013 at his beloved Green Park home surrounded by his wife of 70 years, Alvina (Lordemann), his six children, son-in-law Dan Durkin, grandchildren Cory and Kathryn and caregivers, John & Ligia Teodosiu. Pat was born to Joseph J. and Emma Christella (Williams) Spieker on March 20, 1917, in Petersburg, Nebraska. He attended St. John's Grade School in Petersburg through eighth grade and then began his work life. Accompanied by a strong work ethic, he initially worked on his parents’ farm followed by work with friends on farms in Iowa and Michigan. He shared his wit, wisdom and friendship with all who were near. In 1941, Pat met the love of his life at a Christmas Dance at the Parish Hall in Raeville while he was on holiday. At the time, he was working in Detroit for Garwood Industries. Pat’s correspondence with Alvina quickly ensued, followed shortly thereafter by Alvina’s move to Detroit to work in a war-effort factory. On Dec 2,1942, Pat proposed and after a 'polite' delay, Alvina Lordemann said “Yes.” They were wed on June 1, 1943 at St. Bonaventure Church in Raeville, Nebraska. Post-wedding, the newlyweds headed to New York City, where Pat worked for American Export Airlines. They remember driving through the Holland Tunnel on July 4, 1943, before settling in Jackson Heights, NY. Their firstborn son, Joseph arrived and Pat, then attached to the US Naval Reserves, was sent to Goose Bay, Labrador to service transport planes during WWII. He loved the power of flight and considered a career in it. But that desire was deflated after Pat was clipped in the head by a jet propeller, when an overly eager pilot attempted to return to flight a bit prematurely. Shortly after his deployment, Alvina had returned to Raeville; following his injuries in Goose Bay, in April 1946 Pat also returned to Raeville and began his career as an electrician with his father-in-law, Henry Lordemann. In 1956, with five additional children and the winds of Oklahoma blowing dust over Nebraska once again, it seemed the perfect time to head west. Following the paths of Nebraskan friends to Oregon, the family arrived in Hillsboro in October,1956 and joined St. Matthew's Church and School Community. Pat began work for Ben Faber Electric and joined IBEW Local 48 in which he would proudly enjoy a 55-year membership. He and Alvina raised their six children on seven acres in Hillsboro, and following eight hours of electrical work- farm duties- including cows, chickens, and a half-acre garden filled with the finest organic vegetables, fruits and his beloved flowers would await. He achieved his dream of a college education for each of his children. Pat served on Parish Council at St. Matthew's, a committee for the newly established Jesuit High School, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. After retirement, he played a few rounds of golf, but his passion was the growing of flowers and plants, a passion at which he was exceptional. He believed his greatest success was his family, but in his time, he also crocked a great home-brew! Pat is survived by his wife, Alvina, son, Joseph (Judy), grandson, Keith, (Brenda) and Tanner; daughter, Marilyn Durkin (Dan), grandsons, David (Mardi) Drew, Andie, James and Lane; Dennis (Madeleine) Madison, Morgan and Mae; granddaughter, Kathryn Durkin-Kauffman (Jeffrey); son, Ronald (Janice) Patrick and Martha; daughter, Susan Purdy (Gary), grandsons, Cory (Kelly), Kevin (Amanda) and Alex; son, Michael (Jill), grand- daughters Amy and Angela; daughter, Vivian Feldman (Eric), grandsons Kevin Mather (Christina) and Ethan, Stephen, and granddaughter, Emma; his sister, Clara Schmitz, age 101, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gilbert (Charlotte), sisters, Agnes (Skeets) Friese & Lucille (Larry) Billig. Services will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro, Oregon on Saturday, October 12th. Recitation of the rosary at 1:30 pm followed by a Memorial Mass at 2pm officiated by Fr. Peter Arteaga. A reception will follow at the Parish Hall. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please: St. Matthew School, The Pat and Alvina Spieker Scholarship Fund at Jesuit High School or a charity of your choice. Service Information