Stan Speheger

During his 61 years, Stan Speheger inspired many. A man of few words, his heart and convictions ran deep. Cloaked in a tough guy exterior Stan’s tender and loving ways proved especially endearing to those who knew him best. He knew his good fortune in being blessed to share his life with his true love Jodie and their son Scott and dedicated his life to being a good provider. To all who knew him, Stan was a man of focus, determination, dedication, and faith.Quiet in nature, his life spoke volumes. Though his time here was much too short, his legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of those he treasured most.

1955 proved a year of vibrant growth with consumerism taking off in previously unimaginable ways. With the sale of nearly 7.9 million cars, for the first time in history, seven out of ten families in the US owned an automobile, and new laws were created to require seat belts to be installed on all new cars. This was the year Ray Kroc built the first McDonald’s, and TV dinners appeared including the first fish fingers. Cans of Coca-Cola, Lego, Velcro, and The Mickey Mouse Club all made their debuts during this prosperous year, while Rock and Roll music continued to grow in popularity with more idols including Elvis Presley, Bill Haley and the Comets, Chuck Berry and The Platters. Locally, this time of hope and plenty grew especially bright as Ned T. and Helen Jean (Kean) Speheger of Bluffton, Indiana, welcomed their son Stanley Kent into their hearts and home on December 18th.

Stan grew up, alongside his brother Keith and sister Ann, in Kendallville, Indiana. His mother fondly recalls that right from the start Stan was “all boy!” Stan enjoyed a youth that was mostly experienced outdoors on ball fields and on fantastic family vacations including an epic trip to Mt. Rushmore in 1973. Though naturally quiet, Stan was innately driven and loved competitive sports. He was happiest when playing a game of baseball and could often be found on what felt like his “true home;” the ball diamond.

His high school years centered around his athletic endeavors; football, basketball, and baseball filled his days and evenings. His quiet confidence coupled with his athletic prowess fueled his success as a standout quarterback, while his extraordinary skills as a baseball catcher afforded him All-Conference honors all four years of high school and the opportunity to play college ball. After graduating from East Noble High School in 1974, Stan pursued his studies and baseball career at Huntington College. In 1978 he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

Though Stan knew his lovely wife, Jodie (Reade), for most of his childhood, as they grew up only a street apart, Stan’s high school antics didn’t exactly endear him to her. Their high school years were less than fertile soil for romance as Jodie didn’t like him because he seemed to always make his girlfriends cry! A few years after they graduated from high school, Jodie’s and Stan’s mothers who often associated with one another as sisters in the Knightettes, decided their children were a good match. With great determination, the mothers arranged for Jodie and Stan to go on a date. Stan barely spoke on that first date which allowed Jodie to do all the talking. They soon learned that their mothers were right, they played well off one another and made a great team. On May 19, 1979, the happy couple married in Kendallville, Indiana.

Life blessed Stan and Jodie with the addition of their treasured son Scott to their family, who quickly became the center of Stan’s world. A steadfast family man Stan’s commitment to his loved ones extended to his nieces and nephews whom he embraced as his own. A man who preferred to listen over speak, he was always interested in his love one's lives and adventures. One of his favorite ways to express his love for each of his family members was by carefully choosing a special and unique nickname for everyone. He was always willing to lend a hand to his mother-in-law Pat who fondly dubbed him her #1 son-in-law. Stan’s devotion to his family was evident in his keen eye and passionate attention to detail. Scott’s homework was often the target of Stan’s perfection. There was no error that escaped his attentions. Stan’s conscious and meticulous shopping for just the right gift at Christmas was only surpassed by his precise wrapping of each gift. He was always the first to wake Christmas morning in happy anticipation of creating a perfect holiday for his family.

Sports proved a lifelong passion for Stan. He was an avid fan of Purdue University and held his memories of watching his beloved Boilermakers with his son Scott as some of his greatest. As an adult, he was happiest on the golf course. He especially loved his standing Saturday morning tee time and rounds with his three golfing buddies; Mike Hasselman, Dave Desper, and Jerry Warrener. As a man of solid faith and service to others, Stan was a member of Trinity Church United Methodist, and a proud member of the Masons and the Shriners. He was also glad to lend a hand at Cobblestone Golf Course where he could often be found. Stan was a dedicated employee who did not miss work at B & J Specialty in Kendallville.

Clearly, Stan’s unexpected departure has many wishing for a Mulligan. May their hearts be comforted by the faith that Stan has successfully arrived at Eternity’s 19th Hole and he is quietly reminiscing his time in the zone with a smile of gratitude and heart filled with love.

Stan Speheger, age 61, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 11, 2017. Proudly carrying his legacy forward are Stan’s lovely wife, Joellyn (Jodie) Reade of Kendallville, his treasured son, Scott (Carrie Cochran) Speheger of Lafayette, Indiana; his mother, Jean Speheger of Angola, Indiana; his brother, Keith (Cheryl) Speheger of Granger, Indiana; his sister, Ann (Jerry) McDermid of Angola, Indiana; his mother-in-law, Pat Reade of Kendallville; two brothers-in-law, Rex (Vicki) Reade of Albany, Indiana; and David (Kim) Reade of Muncie, Indiana; and a sister-in-law Jill Benson of Narvon, Pennsylvania; as well as 1 nephew and 5 nieces. Preceding him in death was his father, father-in-law, a niece, and a brother-in-law.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville, Indiana with visitation one hour prior to the service with Pastor Chris Stephens officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Kendallville. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 15th from 2:00 – 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials in Stan’s name be given to Trinity Church United Methodist, Parkview Noble Foundation, or to the Kendallville Park Sports Complex. Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.