Ewald Spier 1932-2021
NEWTON FALLS — Ewald “Walt” Spier, 88, joined the Lord into everlasting life Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
He was born Dec. 31, 1932, in Beulah, N.D., the son of the late Christian Spier and Marie Schuh Spier.
Walt married the love of his life, Shirley Jane Isner, on Dec. 19, 1997, and they have enjoyed the past 24 years of marriage together.
He has lived in Newton Falls for many years, and is formerly of Springhill, Fla., for 20 years.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1949 to 1953. After returning home, Walt worked in the shipping department at Republic Steel for 42 years and retired in 1995.
He was a member of the Pricetown United Methodist Church, and the Newton Falls VFW Post 3332. Walt also was a 60-year member of the Lake Milton American Legion Post 737 and was quite active in that post. He served as financial officer and adjutant, 9th District commander, twice served as commander to Post 737, and served as legion financial officer for the State of Ohio.
Walt loved bowling, golfing, hunting, fishing and running the bingo at the legion.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley J. Spier of Newton Falls; one son, Michael Spier of Canfield; one daughter, Vanessa (Jim) Sumrell of Clarksville, Tenn.; one stepdaughter, Katherine (Robert) Baeslack of Medina; one brother, Samuel (Mary) Spier of Ocala, Fal.; seven grandchildren, Meagan, Amanda, Heather, Leslie, Tracy, Jennifer and Matthew; and eight great-grandchildren, Aurora, Amelia, Riley, Cameron, Caleb, Evelyn, Olyvia and Dulcie.
Walt is preceded in death by his parents, one stepdaughter, Debora Palmer; two brothers, Arthur and Rubin Spier; and one sister, Freda Erickson.
Per Walt’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will be noon Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, with Pastor Dewayne Smith officiating. Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that all donations please be made to the Pricetown United Methodist Church, 4640 Pritchard Ohltown Road, Newton Falls, OH 44444, in his memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440.
Family and friends may view Walt’s obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
(special notice)