1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P

Fred Gale Spiker, age 84 of Eagle's Nest Lake died Tuesday, May 05, 2009 in the Ely Bloomenson Nursing Home. He was born September 8, 1924 in Gary, IN, the son of James and Myrtle Spiker, and was a graduate of Edison High School in Gary, IN. Fred served his country during WWII in the US Army. He was trained as a glider pilot and then attended paratrooper training. He served in the Philippines with the 11th Airborne and was a recipient of multiple Bronze Stars. He was employed by US Steel on the Gary Iron Works as a Crane Operator and later an electrician. Fred moved to Park Rapids, MN in 1963 where he owned and operated Spike's Peak Resort on Little Mantrap Lake. In 1967 he moved to the Virginia area and was employed by US Steel Minntac as an Electrician retiring in 1976. It was during this time he met Beverly Hanson and they were married on January 18, 1971 in Hot Springs, Ark. After his US Steel retirement, Fred moved to Eagle's Nest Lake and was employed by Inland Steels' Minorca Mine as an Electrical Foreman, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Tower Lion's Club and the Eagles Nest Senior Citizens. Fred enjoyed gardening, putzing around the house, hunting and fishing. He liked cars, and drove racecars in his earlier days. He was an energetic, generous man with a keen sense of humor who loved to spend time with his kids and grand kids.
Fred is survived by his children, Fred Wayne Spiker of Phoenix, AZ, Gary (Teresa) Spiker of Dewey, AZ, Gary (Beth) Adams of Duluth, Ken (Marie) Adams of Toney, AL, Kathleen (Henry) Sande of Gilbert, Cheryl Adams of Sawyer, MN, Bonnie Adams of Ely, Jim (Evie) Adams of Niles, MI, and DeAnn Schatz of Ely; sisters, Sharon Jenkins of Demotte, IN and Darlene Prebys of Las Vegas, NV; 15 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly; and a sister.
A Gathering time for Family & Friends will be held Friday, May 8, 2009 from 12 Noon until the 1:00 p.m. Memorial Service in Bauman's Vermilion Funeral Home. Pastor Mike Wefel will officiate.
Family Services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share a personal remembrance online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Facts

Born: September 8, 1924
Place of Birth: Gary, Indiana
Death: May 5, 2009
Place of Death: Ely Bloomenson Nursing Home
Occupation: Electrician / Electrical Foreman

Services Gathering Time for Family & Friends

Friday May 8, 2009 , 12 Noon - 1:00 p.m. at Bauman's Vermilion Funeral Home

Friday May 8, 2009 , 1:00 p.m. at Bauman's Vermilion Funeral Home