Walter A. Speder
Born April 1, 1938, in Sintauten, LithuaniaPassed October 11, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
Walter A. Speder was born in Sintauten, Lithuania to parents Johann and Anna. His family fled to Germany following World War II. Walter and his brother, Gus, were raised and educated in Germany. He met his future wife at the age of 16 while both were volunteers with the Youth Red Cross in Germany. His family immigrated to the USA and became American citizens, settling in Springfield, Illinois.
Walter served in the US Army from 1959-1964 in various locations including South Korea and Germany. In 1962, he married Margaret Wachsmann in Germany. They raised their family in Springfield, Illinois and later retired to Melbourne, Florida.
He was employed at Napier Machine and Welding in Springfield, Illinois for 13 years until he joined City Water Light & Power (CWLP). Walter retired as a master machinist from CWLP after 22 years of service.
Walter loved traveling to visit family and friends in the US and Germany. He enjoyed getting together with his work buddies each time he visited Springfield. He especially treasured visits with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Walter loved fishing with his buddy, Tom, in Melbourne, Florida. He adored his two rescue dogs, Kilo and Rowdy, and bird, Peeps, and spoiled them all.
Walter was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret, in 2012. Survivors include his daughters Maria Speder (Bobby Moore) of Melbourne and Sharon (Chris) Sprinkel of Carlinville, Illinois, grandchildren Rebecca (Brandon) Hammann and Justin (Audrey) Sprinkel, great-granddaughter Caroline Hammann, grand dogs Chopper, Deeder, and Dolly. His dogs Rowdy and Kilo and bird Peeps join Maria and Bobby’s family now. He is also survived by his brother, Gus (Kathy) Speder, of Springfield, Illinois, nephew Gus (Terri) Speder, niece Andrea (Jeff ) Sarver and family, and niece Greta (David) Vierzba and family.
Family and friends may call on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 8:30 am until time of service at 9:30 am at Brownlie Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 E. Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, Florida. Burial will follow at 1:30 pm at Florida National Cemetery with military honors accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to Florida Wildlife Hospital or Romelia Farms Wildlife Preserve:
Romelia Farms Wildlife Preserve
