Christian Speidel

Christian Speidel

Christian Speidel, 81, Edgeley, ND, died Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Jamestown Hospital, Jamestown, ND.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church, Edgeley, ND with Reverend Allan Eppen officiating, and a prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Lisko Funeral Chapel, Edgeley, ND. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lisko Funeral Chapel, Edgeley, ND with interment at Nortonville Cemetery, Nortonville, ND.

Christian Speidel was born November 11, 1928 in Monango, ND, the son of Gottlieb and Emma (Rempfer) Speidel. He was raised and began school in Monango, graduated from Ellendale high school and earned a degree in Industrial Arts from Ellendale State College. Christian taught school at several places in North Dakota including Wimbledon and Edgeley. On August, 27, 1950, he married Cecil Mary Place in Monango. Later in 1950, he entered active duty in the United States Army, serving for 2 years. Following his discharge, he returned to North Dakota and began teaching near Edgeley, ND and also farmed in the Edgeley area. He retired from teaching in 1977 and was able to fulfill his dream of operating a family farm.

Known for his friendliness and wonderful sense of humor, Christian spent his life serving the Lord and caring for those he loved. In his youth, he participated in baseball and was an avid spectator of all local sporting events.

Christian was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed playing cribbage, especially with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Cecil, Edgeley, ND; 5 children: Kathleen (Kent) Brackel, Hettinger, ND; Susan (Doug) Nilsen, Watertown, SD; Kristine (Keith) Heidinger, Kulm, ND; Curtis (Debbie) Speidel, Fort Ransom, ND; Craig (Donna) Speidel, Watertown, SD; 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and 2 grandsons.