Jerome E. Spaude

Jerome Spaude Called to His Savior’s Side. The Memorial Service for Jerome E. Spaude, age 91, of Fond du Lac, WI, is tentatively set for 1:00 pm on August 1, 2020, at Faith Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. Committal will be at Estabrooks Cemetery in Fond du Lac on April 25. Jerome passed away on Sunday morning, April 19, 2020 in Fond du Lac. The Kurki Funeral Chapel in Fond du Lac is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials are preferred to Michigan Lutheran Seminary or to any WELS ministry fund. Jerome Eugene Spaude was born on September 1, 1928, in Lake Benton, MN. He was the son of Rev. Dr. Paul and Helen (Bade) Spaude. Jerome was baptized on September 9, 1928. He graduated from Dr. Martin Luther High School in New Ulm, MN in 1946. Jerome attained his undergraduate degree from Northwestern College in Watertown, WI, in 1950, and later graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI, in 1954, with a Master of Divinity. On July 18, 1954, Jerome was united in marriage to Lily Ryser at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac, WI. Their union was blessed with five children, Catherine (Brian) Mowers, Pastor Philip (Susan) Spaude, Karen (Pastor Joel Thomford), Sharon (Pastor Philip Pitt), and Rebecca (James) Wilsmann. The Lord also blessed the union with six grandsons, five granddaughters, and 5 great grandchildren. The family resided in various locations where Jerome served in WELS congregations beginning at Circle, MT, in 1954. In 1958 he accepted the pastorate at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Flint, MI. In 1970 he accepted a call to be languages professor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, MI. He earned an MA degree from Michigan State University and taught Latin, German and Spanish courses at MLS. Professor Spaude retired from teaching in 1993 but continued working in the Lord’s Kingdom in various capacities. He (with his wife) served as supply or vacancy pastor in parishes from Alberta, Canada, to Tallahassee, FL. In his later years he enjoyed serving his congregation making home visits. With his wife and family of five children he also enjoyed traveling in the many states of the USA and later abroad, often with students on language tours. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and brother-in-law Lillian and Merle Werner, a brother and sister-in-law Prof. Cyril and Adela Spaude, a brother-in-law John Sazy, a brother and sister-in-law Prof. Luther and Ruth Spaude, and a brother-in-law Richard Neumann. He is survived by his wife Lily, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law Prof. Milton and Nila Spaude, sisters and brothers-in-law Virginia and Prof. Bruce Backer, Victoria and Marvin Ulrich, a sister Marie Sazy, a sister-in-law Phyllis Neumann, and many nieces and nephews. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)

Jerome E. Spaude

September 1, 1928 - April 19, 2020