Norbert "Captain Gus" Spevak

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Fenwick High School Loras College

Norbert Spevak Obituary

Spevak, Norbert "Captain Gus" 67, of Coloma, MI, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2005, at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, May 19, 10:00 A.M., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph, MI, with Father Thomas Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, St. Joseph, MI. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 18, from 3:00-9:00 P.M., at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Given his love of people and nature, donations, in lieu of flowers, may be given to a charity of the donor's choice. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence, or to sign the family guestbook, may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Norbert was born May 30, 1937, in Chicago, IL, to Norbert and Mildred (Pliml) Spevak. As a teenager he delivered shirts for his grandfather who was a tailor and owned a garment factory in the Pilsen area of Chicago. He graduated from Fenwick High School and attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He served aboard the Naval Destroyer U.S.S. Borie as a signalman during the Suez crisis. He received commendations for a flotilla design insignia and for outstanding leadership. He had a long career in sales and advertising, 30 years were spent with Life Newspapers in Berwyn, IL. He was awarded 'Outstanding sales representative of the year' by the Campbell Soup Company. While a life long resident of North Riverside and Chicago, he summered and sailed out of St. Joseph, MI, for many years. He was an avid sailor and member of the Columbia Yacht Club for 25 years. He was a gifted artist, cook, and in later years a gardner. He amassed a fortune in memories, laughter, and friendships. A man who was known for his humor, generosity, and hospitality. He was a long time contributor to wildlife organizations, and was recently awarded a certificate by the National Wildlife Federation for a backyard wildlife habitat. Norbert "Captain Gus" loved the sea, sailing, and nature. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. His true loves were his family. He is survived by five children, Kathy (Mike) Tarr of Orland Park, IL, Karen Spevak of Orland Park, IL, John (Mary) Spevak of Appleton, WI, Jim (Danielle) Spevak of Geneva, IL, and Joe (Kristen) Spevak of Brookfield, IL; nine grandchildren – Joshua, Alex, Haley, Jimmy, Jamie, Lexie, Savannah, Morgan, and Sydney; his life partner and best friend Grace Gianforte; two brothers, Richard of Hickory Hills, IL, and Alan of Bloomsberg, PN; close cousins, the Kasper family of Berwyn, IL; and his beloved aunt Vlasta. He is preceded in death by his parents Norbert and Mildred.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from May 17 to May 18, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Norbert Spevak

12 Entries

Patti Jones (Burns)

May 25, 2005

Kathy, Karen, John, Jim, Joe,

I was so sorry to hear about Norb. He was such a wonderful and fun man and gave all of us growing up many memories to cherish. He will be missed!

Dan Lydon

May 24, 2005

Dear Spevak Family and Grace, I was very sorry to learn of Norb's death who I had the pleasure of meeting at Loras College. He was a very jovial man who had a smile for everyone and I'm sure you will miss him very much. I extend to you my sympathy and I will be praying for you and for the repose of Norb's soul.

CHARLOTTE HARDIN

May 18, 2005

GRACIE,

I WAS SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR

FRIEND/COMPANION. I'M SURE HE

CHARISHED THE FRIENDSHIP THE TWO

OF YOU HAD OVER THE YEARS. HOW

WONDERFUL IT IS TO BE ABLE TO CALL

SOMEONE A "TRUE FRIEND" AND THAT'S

WHAT THE TWO OF YOU HAD IN EACH

OTHER. HIS TIME ON EARTH MAY

HAVE BEEN BRIEF, BUT GOD WANTED

HIM NOW. GOD SET HIM FREE.

CHARLOTTE & DILLON

Kathy Treis

May 18, 2005

Dear Kathy, Karen, John, Jim, and Joe---I wanted to add to Christine's note of sympathy to tell you how sorry I was to hear of your Dad/s death. He always made me feel very special--all the way back to when I first met him when I was seventeen. It was always a treat to see him at your weddings and enjoy his great sense of humor. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy Tvrdik Treis

Jeffrey Brothers

May 18, 2005

Grace and family,

My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Norb touched so many people with his generosity, love of life and fun. I have many fond memories of summers in Michigan outside grilling and sitting around the fire pit with Norb and Grace. He will be greatly missed but his spirit will live on in those who knew him and gained from having known him.

Jeffrey

Yona Ferris

May 18, 2005

Grace, my prayers and love are with you always. I am so sorry to hear about Norbert. I do know that G-d takes the righteous back home very quickly. I hope we all take Norbert's example and live life to the fullest. He was a very rich man indeed with so much love and kindness for all who came his way. He truly treasured life and all its gifts. He will be missed by so many and I am so happy that he touched so many lives. That is the greatest legacy one can have. All my love always, Yona

Christine Falasco

May 18, 2005

Kathy, Karen, John, Jim and Joe, Please accept our sincere sympathy on the death of your Father. We all remember him as funny, kind and an all around great guy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Aunt Viv Tvrdik, Kathi, Jim and Chris

Kristen Spevak

May 18, 2005

Mr. Spevak was a wonderful man that did alot for people even though he didn't have it. He charished the times that people spent with him up in Michigan. He took everyone in as if they were his own, he found the best in people. He made everyone feel special. He will be badly missed. Norbie, thanks for all the good times,the laughs that we had and all of the memories that you have given me. I remember you broadcasted my 25th birthday on the radio that is something that I will never forget - that meant alot to me. I know they will be feeding you alot up in Heaven even though you may not want to eat, but as you would say "Tuff ____ eat it anyway. Thanks for urging us to put the pond in our back yard, it will be a constant(special)reminder of you. I will take good care of your son while you are gone. I love you very much.

Jennifer Reynoso

May 17, 2005

Karen,Kathy,John,Jim and Joe,

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, he was a great guy who really enjoyed life; I'm sure you will all miss him terribly. I haven't seen him for a while, but I remember many family gatherings with him and he was always fun to be with. I think Heaven might be in for some wild times with Jim and Norb there together! My deepest condolences to all of you (Grace too!) on your loss.

Jen & The Boys

Kathy Burns

May 17, 2005

Kathy, Karen, John, Jim, Joe,

I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember lots of good times growing up and I will never forget him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Burns

Susan Spale

May 17, 2005

Karen and family,

I'll always remember your Dad as someone who made me laugh. His good humor, hospitality, and his smile will always come to my mind when I think of him. I know you will miss him dearly.

Susan Hill Spale

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