Daniel John Spielman

1/9/27-2/9/13

Jack was born Daniel John Spielman on January 9, 1927 in Powell, WY and passed away on February 9, 2013 at the age of 86. He and the love of his life, Pauline (Smith) Spielman, would have celebrated 65 yrs. of marriage on February 12, 2013.

Jack’s family made their way out West, eventually settling in Merced. He attended local schools, OLM Elementary and Merced High School where he graduated from in 1944. While in high school Jack began working for Miles & Sons Trucking Co. In 1945 he was called to duty and served during WWII in Japan in the U.S. Army, I Corps. After the war, he returned to Merced and later became purchasing agent for Miles & Sons until 1970. He then accepted the position of Equipment Superintendent for Flinkote/Genstar/Western Stone Companies and retired in 1989.

Jack was a wonderful husband, father, and provider to his wife and children. He had an impeccable work ethic, his faith, and was a great role model to all his family. Jack had a saying, “there’s a right way, a wrong way, and the Spielman way” that the family playfully respected.

Jack enjoyed camping, fishing, golf with his buddies on Saturdays, and taking road trips around the U.S. with his wife and family. So much of his joy came from gatherings around family, friends, and merriment. He was known for special bologna sandwiches at Deer Camp, the best BBQ chicken, homemade ice cream, and blending up a great gin fizz. Jack had a “sweet tooth” and his wife continually made him all kinds of wonderful, homemade desserts. Those who knew him well knew about the infamous candy drawer!

Jack was a member of the Elks, American Legion, and the Merced Golf and Country Clubs. He was a devote Catholic and a member of OLM and St. Patrick’s Churches, where he volunteered for several years.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Aloysius and Elizabeth (Wickman) Spielman; siblings, Mary Spielman (Sister Nathaniel), Alice Jones, Fabiola Stiff, and Joseph (Art) Spielman; and a daughter-in-law who had a special place in his heart, Marilyn (Dragovich) Spielman.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline (Smith) Spielman of Merced; children, Danny Spielman (Fonya), Joan Johnson (Craig) of S. Lake Tahoe, and Steve Spielman (Laurie) of Sanger; grandchildren, Bryan Spielman, Kevin Spielman (Jackie) of Merced, Jeff and Katie Johnson of S. Lake Tahoe, and Patrick and Scott Spielman of Sanger; and great-grandchildren, Joshua, Mackensie, Joey, Lacey, and Jaxson.

At Jack’s request, his 6 grandchildren will be his pallbearers.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, February 17th from 2:00pm-7:00pm at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA. Recitation of Rosary will be held on Monday, February 18th at 9:30am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Patrick’s Church, 671 E. Yosemite Ave, Merced, CA. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.