Robert R. Spees

Robert R. Spees, 86, Lake Nebagamon, died Saturday, March 29, 2008, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born May 11, 1921, in Dubuque, Iowa, to the late Benjamin and Anna (Washkowitz) Spees.

After high school, Bob joined the Army Air Force Jan. 27, 1942, serving as an airplane engine mechanic until Nov. 17, 1945. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Ribbon, one Service Stripe and the WWII Victory Campaign Medal.

Robert met his wife Lena Bland while stationed at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. They married June 16, 1944. Robert and Tillie enjoyed 63 years of marriage. He worked in the brew house for Miller Brewing, retiring in 1981 after 31 years of faithful service.

Bob and Tillie moved to Lake Nebagamon in 1981. Bob was an avid reader, enjoying all the books that were sent to him by his children. He and Tillie loved to drive around the area and enjoy looking at nature and enjoyed each others’ company.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Donna (Christopher) Arkowski-Korch, Colorado Springs, Colo., Robert Rhett Spees Jr., Fayetteville, Ark., Deborah (James) Ainslie, Poquoson, Va., and Rodney (Delores) Spees, Sarasota, Fla.; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Daniel (Flora) Spees of New Lisbon, Wis., and John (Tina) Spees, Rhinelander; and one sister, Betty Hale, Lake Mills, Wis.

He was preceded in death by one son, Matthew Spees, 1981, and three brothers.

At Robert’s request, private memorial services will be held at a later date.

The Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Solon Springs assisted the Spees family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brownfuneralhome.net.

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