Selmer E. Spier

Memorial services for Selmer E. Spier, 76, of Eureka, were 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at The Meadows in Norfolk, Neb.

Brockhaus-Howser-Fillmer Funeral Home of Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

Selmer Ervin Spier, known as Sam to some, died Jan. 7, 2013, at The Meadows in Norfolk, Neb., due to complications of Alzheimer’s and a major heart attack.  Selmer and his lifelong partner, wife, and more recently caretaker, Eldora, were currently in Norfolk to spend the winter months with their son and family, Mark and Jolene Spier and children.

We, his family, feel so thankful and blessed by Jolene and Mark, Norfolk Hospice, and VA Home Health for their excellent care and compassion in Selmer’s last weeks of life.

Selmer Ervin “Sam” Spier, son of David and Lydia (Schuh) Spier, was born Aug. 19, 1936, in Beulah, N.D.  Selmer joined siblings Bill and Esther (longtime Eureka resident, Esther Miller) and was raised as the youngest family member.  His memories were always good ones when he recalled his family and younger years.

Selmer joined the Marines in 1953 and was stationed in San Diego, Calif.  He was always proud of the fact that he was a Marine.

Selmer was married on Sept. 4, 1955, to his childhood sweetheart, Eldora Bauer.  On Christmas when the family was gathered together relating stories of the first gifts given to spouses, Selmer told of giving Eldora a gift in the third grade.  Together they raised three children:  Rhonda, Rita, and Mark.  Church and the beach were integral parts of their life there.

In 1972, Selmer relocated their family to Eureka, where he visited his sister’s family, Monk and Esther Miller, each year.  It was Selmer’s dream to live on Glen Lake, where he helped build this final home.  He enjoyed many hours in the sun and on the lake, but Selmer’s favorite times were with family.  Children, grandchildren, and a great-grandson were wonderfully blessed by the home he provided, built and cared deeply for.  Selmer spent his favorite times in Eureka, also coaching many youth teams and playing basketball, even into his later years.

The best gift Selmer gave to his children was to lay their foundation of Christian faith.  He was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  Selmer was gentle, humble, patient, and always a servant at heart.

Selmer is survived by his wife, Eldora; son, Mark and wife Jolene Spier of Norfolk, Neb.; daughters: Rita and husband Joe Purdy and Rhonda and husband Rod Fleming, all of Eureka; brother-in-law Melvin Miller of Spokane, Wash.; sister-in-law Phyllis Spier of Beulah, N.D.; nine grandchildren: Nathan Purdy, Ryan Purdy, Ashley Purdy, Jake Fleming, Matt Fleming, Zac Fleming, Sydney Spier, Hunter Spier, and Jett Spier; and one great-grandson, Tiago Fleming.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lydia Spier; sister Esther Miller; and brother Bill Spier.

There will be a service held in Eureka at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in the summer of 2013.

To sign the guestbook, extend online condolences to the family, or view Selmer’s video tribute, please visit http://www.brockhausfuneralhome.com.