Clayton “Spike” Speiser

Sioux Falls, SD

Clayton “Spike” J. Speiser, 93, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at his home in Sioux Falls, SD. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church (1501 W 26th Street). Family will be present at 10 a.m. to receive guests during visitation.

Clayton was born on September 20, 1929, in St. Cloud, MN. He was the son of Peter and Eleanor (Lauer) Speiser. While in St. Cloud, he attended Technical High School and met Lorraine D. Hoffarth, who he would later marry on July 5, 1951, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. They were married for 72 years and were blessed with three children, Dave, Mike, and John.

After graduation, he served during the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, among other recognitions. He was honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces on June 23, 1952. As an honored member of the 32nd Infantry Regiment Association, he took great pride in serving his country. He was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization and stayed in touch with his fellow veterans.

Clayton later retired as a manager from BF Goodrich wholesale store in Sioux Falls, SD, after relocating from Westland Oil Company headquarters in Minot, ND. Lifelong friendships and Westland reunions were enjoyed throughout the years.

He was best known for his independent, detail-oriented and humble nature. He loved traveling across the country with Lorraine, playing and watching hockey games, the Minnesota Vikings, fishing, tinkering with and collecting Ford vehicles, and working on household projects. He also had a love of books and was particularly fond of novels by Clive Cussler.

Clayton is remembered for being a wonderfully loving, kind man who cared deeply for others. His wife, children and grandchildren were his favorite people to be with and he will be greatly missed.

Clayton is survived by his wife, Lorraine Speiser, Sioux Falls, SD; his children; Dave (Angie) Speiser, Minot, ND, Mike Speiser, Sioux Falls, SD, and John (Teresa) Speiser, Brandon, SD; his grandchildren, Peter (Anna) Speiser, Emerson, NE, Brenna (Byron) Speiser, London, UK, Joe (Brandi) Speiser, Lubbock, TX, Dan (Mallorie) Speiser, Henderson, NV, Rachel Speiser, Sioux Falls, SD, Jessica Speiser, Brookings, SD, and Sam Speiser, Brandon, SD; and his great-grandchildren, Brody, Austin, Colton, Inga and Lars. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rev. Allan Perry Speiser and sister, Audrey Owen.

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 7, 2023.