Arthur E. Spiegel

Arthur Earl Spiegel (96) of Springfield, IL, passed away at Springfield Memorial Hospital on March 4, 2025. He was born January 23, 1929 in Akron, Ohio, the son of Rev. Dr. Clarence & Gertrude Spiegel. He was baptized by his father on February 10, 1929 and became a Christian on that day. He considered his Baptism the most important event of his life and values it above any temporal or spiritual blessing he ever received. He was a life member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cheryl (Gum), brothers Walter and Fred, and sisters Helen (Royal) and Ruth (Bojarzin).

He moved to Springfield, IL in 1938, graduating from Trinity Lutheran School in 1942. He went to Lanphier High School and graduated in 1946. He attended Illinois State Normal University in 1947. In October, 1948, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was later drafted into the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in December, 1952. He returned to Illinois State University in 1953 and received his B.S in Education in January, 1956.

He began his teaching career at Springfield High School and later in the Junior High System. He received his M.S. in Public School Administration in 1961 and became a teacher/principal in Sherman Elementary School in 1965-66. In 1967-69 he was high school principal at Athens, IL and from 1969-1971 he was Superintendent of Athens School District 213. During these years he served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois State University Alumni Association. In 1971 he was employed by the Illinois Secretary of State and remained in that office for twelve years. For his final eight years he was employed by CWLP as the Utility Property Manager. He retired in 1991.

In 1965 he was elected Charter President of the Kiwanis Club, Springfield North and in 1970 he was elected Lt. Governor of Division 11, Illinois-Eastern lowa District of Kiwanis International. He served as a counsellor to the Kiwanis Lanphier High School Key Club. He was active in Boy Scout troop 47, Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as Scoutmaster and a member of the Land of Lincoln Scout Council, Chairman of the School Night for Cubing and later served as Cub Scoutmaster for Troop 20 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Land of Lincoln Barbershop Choir and the Illinois Symphony Choir. In 2019, he was inducted into the Lanphier High School Hall of Fame.

As a hobby, he played the piano in literally every nursing home, High Rise Apartments, Church functions and Kiwanis Clubs in the Springfield area. In retirement he played the piano for Concordia Village and served as Charter President of the Independent Resident Council.

He is survived by his good and faithful wife, Jean, daughter Kim (Ed) Thayer, Step-son Ed (Sharon) Curtis, Step-daughter Nancy Jackson, eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be at 9:00am on Saturday March 29, 2025 at Concordia Village Chapel, 4101 West Iles, with the service following at 10:30. Pastor Joshua Traxel will officiate the service. A private graveside service will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Lutheran High School or Concordia Scholarship Fund and condolences may be left at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.