In Loving Memory Thomas A. Spiess left to be with God Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the age of 83. Beloved husband for 51 years of Elizabeth Spiess, and loving father of Susan Spiess. Dear son of the late Adolph and Helen Spiess. Dear brother-in-law of Charles (Dorlores) Rezek and the late Thomas (Mary Susan) Flanagan. Our dear uncle, godfather, nephew, cousin, teacher, and friend.
Tom proudly worked as a teacher at Normandy Junior High School, De Andreis High School, St. Mary’s High School, and Bishop DuBourg High School from which he retired. No matter where he went, he always met and remembered former students. Teaching gave him such joy.
Even after retiring, he decided to go back to work part-time at Washington Middle School where he made many new friends. He had an incredible sense of humor and always had a clever pun to put a smile on our faces. He loved his family and was always there for us. He enjoyed listening to the Grand Ole Opry and was an Elton John fan. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Visitation at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4556 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO 63129, on Saturday, March 15 at 9am until funeral mass at 10am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials to the White House Jesuit Retreat appreciated. A service of Kutis South County Chapel.
So sorry Ann and Susan to hear about Tom. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Tom was such a wonderful person and he will always be remembered for his wit.
Sorry to see this he was a good teacher (St Mary’s) and nice man.
Susan, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your dad, (and Mrs. Spiess, your husband). I have fond memories of your dad teasing us and your mom when at your house in high school/college. I always remember him being such a cheerful soul. Sending prayers and long distance hugs to both of you as you navigate this new chapter in your lives….until you meet again. May he rest in peace in Christ.
I remember Mr Spiess from St.Mary’s. He had a strange sense of humor albeit funny. He’ll definitely be missed. Tim S. St. Mary’s Class of 1983.
Sad day. My thoughts and prayers to the family. I was a graduated from St Mary’s in 1984. I had Mr Speiss for a class. Great teacher. RIP
RIP my oldest ftiend!
I was searching obituaries because a friend died and I saw this. I grew up with Tom and attended St Cronan school with him. He lived on Arco a couple blocks away. He was the nicest boy in our class. I am sorry for your loss. Carolyn Crowder Duke
Mr. Spiess would put quotes or sayings on papers.
Some have stuck with me after 50 years.
I was blessed to have him for a teacher.
As a fellow pun addict, Tom Spiess managed to get my mornings off to a great start as my homeroom teacher at St. Mary’s High School in the early 70’s. When our homeroom pitched in to take out an ad for the annual Fine Arts Festival program, I always gave it the title “Spiess on Earth.” He was like family to so many of us.
Bob Schmid – Class of 1974
Anne and Susan
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I taught with Tom for many years at St. Mary’s High School. Enjoyed seeing him at afternoon Mass at SFA parish.
Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Francis and Benita Sohm
Susan so sorry for the loss of your dad. It is especially tragic when it is so sudden and not being able to say goodbye.. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Take comfort in the memories and know that he is at eternal rest with our heavenly father. Take care . Cathy OBrien
Mrs. Spiess and Susan,
I attended St. Mary’s High School and Mr. Spiess was my accounting teacher senior year. I learned more in his class than in some of the college-level accounting classes. He inspired me to major in Business Administration and to be a teacher. I am blessed to have had him for class.. I always learned something new in his class everyday. He had s good sense of humor which brightened the day. I am deeply sorry for his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patrick McDowell Class of 1978
I taught with Tom at DuBourg. Never was a finer gentleman. He was a blessing to his students.
So sorry to hear of Mr. Speiss passing. His bookkeeping/ Accounting class was one of my favorites at St. Mary’s. I have to say that the combination of his class and my great math teachers at St. Mary’s were the foundations of my success in my financial life. Rest in peace Mr. Speiss and my condolences to his family.