Frank ‘Hank’ George Spieler was born to Frank Marshall Spieler and Delia Marie Heup in Portland, Oregon on July 25, 1934. On May 3, 2019, he passed peacefully surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 10:00am at Holy Redeemer Church, 25 N. Rosa Parks Blvd., Portland, OR 97217. (Reception to follow in Large Hall.)
Hank married Shirley Marie Michels (deceased) on July 26, 1953. Hank and Shirley lived in Portland, Oregon where they started a family. They had five children: Catherine Sue, Frank Michael, Connie Lynn, Patricia Ann and Jane Marie. Jane Marie preceded Hank and Shirley to heaven. Hank is survived by his four children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.
Hank grew up in Portland, Oregon with his sisters, Jane (D), Pat (D), Betty and his brother Dick (D). He attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School with his siblings and cousins. Later his children, some of his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren also attended Holy Redeemer.
Hank and Shirley were active members of Holy Redeemer Parish. They participated in many parish activities such as Sunday Breakfast Club, the annual Sing-A-Long, Bingo, carnivals, and numerous parish dinners. He also volunteered his time and used his skills helping maintain Holy Redeemer School, Church, Rectory and Convent.
Throughout his life Hank was always interested in anything mechanical. He bought his first car when he was only 14 years old much to his mother’s chagrin. He was promptly instructed to sell it, but with that car came his love for all things mechanical. One of Hank’s dreams was to restore an old car, which he later did. He took the chassis of three 1940 Chevy pick-ups and after a labor of love he had a beautiful cherry red pick-up with shiny black fenders.
Hank started working at a young age as a gas station attendant. When he and Shirley were first married he worked at the Camas Paper Mill, later worked at a mattress factory, and other jobs. Hank was a machinist by trade. He spent a good part of his career as a shop foreman/service manager at Andrews and Andrews Equipment Company and later Columbia Equipment.
Throughout his life Hank was involved in many activities. He was a member of the Oregon Bass and Pan Fishing Club, The Inliners Car Club, a member of both the Moose and Elk Clubs, as well as a Girl Scout with his daughters troops. Hank was always known to have a fishing pole handy when he was out on a job and dropped a line when he stopped to eat his lunch.
Hank had a love for the outdoors and spent much of his summers camping throughout Oregon and Washington. A few of his favorite places to camp were Timothy Lake, Evergreen Trailer Park in Rockaway, Suttle Lake, Blue Lake, Fort Stevens and Barview Jetty Park. His camping trips were well known by extended family and it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to have 10-20 people gathered around the campfire.
Hank not only enjoyed camping trips, he also enjoyed trail riding on his motorcycles, or riding his bike. If he didn’t have his motorcycle with him, he had his bicycle. He would ride 5 miles a day exploring campgrounds as well as his neighborhood.
Hank lived a full life surrounded by friends and family. Many memories were made, laughter shared, and lessons taught. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
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