Wayne Howard Spiess, 97, died November 27, 2022, at Fairlawn Haven, Archbold.
Born January 30, 1925, Wayne was the son of Frederick and Charlotte (Ruffer) Spiess, growing up on a farm in German Township.
In 1948 he married Susanne Schlatter and moved to the Spiess family farm.
Wayne was a lifelong farmer and loved nature, tramping thru the woodlands sharing his knowledge of flora and fauna.
In addition to farming, Wayne worked as a fabricator at LaChoy Foods for 25 years and developed several specialty machines.
Wayne was on the Fulton County Farm Bureau Advisory Council, 4-H Advisor and a board member of the Archbold Area Foundation.
Wayne was a lifelong member of St. John’s Christian Church, serving on the 1956 building committee and as an Elder, Deacon, YF Advisor and sang with the Chancel Choir and in a mens quartet.
His strong Christian faith was shown thru service to others. He assisted others in need and served on many mission trips, including traveling to an African orphanage at age 80.
His lifetime of travel began with a Honeymoon of 38 days traveling the western United States.
Wayne loved his canoe trips into the Canadian wilderness, encouraging many friends and family on these adventures.
In retirement, Wayne and Susie spent two summers working and living in Yellowstone National Park.
Wayne and Susie loved to host guests in their home and cottage. This included hosting 17 Mennonite Trainees and foreign exchange students from 7 countries over many years.
Lifelong friendships resulted and included several trips to Europe to visit.
His thirst for learning and experiencing new adventures never stopped. Wayne started snow skiing at age 50, and in retirement, he built a dulcimer and learned to play.
Wayne volunteered in the Sauder Village Spiess School, District 13. Wayne was also proud of his pie baking skills and the blue ribbons won in contests.
Wayne was happiest spending summers enjoying the Family Cottage at Hamilton Lake with a fishing pole in hand.
In later life, Wayne enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grands play ball, and never missed listening to the local Archbold high school ball games.
Wayne is survived by his Children; Richard Spiess; Archbold, Priscilla (Mike) Ashley; Archbold, Nanette (Neil) Buehrer, Salisbury, NC, John (Diane) Spiess, Sarasota, FL, and Phillip Spiess, Archbold.
Grandchildren; Kyle (Erica) Spiess, Aimee (Brad) Roth, Emily (Sean) Buehrer-Douglas, Lydia (Kenny Bussey) Buehrer, Nicole Buehrer, Ryan Spiess, Courtney Spiess.
Great grandchildren; Avery Roth, Evynn Roth, Jackson Spiess, Tyler Spiess, Isabelle Spiess, Elijah Douglas, Sophia Douglas along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by wife, Susanne, six siblings, daughter in-law Cathy Spiess and infant great grandchild.
Visitation for Wayne will be held from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 1, 2022 in the Chapel at St. John’s Christian Church in Archbold. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, also in the church, with Pastor Erich Christman and Pastor Ryan Volkman, officiating. Interment will be private in the Archbold Cemetery.
The family requests that memorial contributions be given to St. John’s Christian Church.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com.
Grisier Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with arrangements.