Thomas Spiegel

Blissfield: Thomas “Bull Dog” J. Spiegel, 73 of Blissfield passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, October 29, 2010 at his home. Tom was born on January 28, 1937 in Blissfield, Michigan. He was the son of Ezra J. and Elvira (Simpson) Spiegel. On October 3, 1959, he was united in marriage to his wife of 51 years, Dorothy Sprunk. She survives. Tom served his country enlisting first into the National Guard from 1954 – 1956, then enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. in 1956 until being honorably discharged as LCpl Thomas J. Spiegel in 1962. During his time in the service, Tom served in the Vietnam and Korean War conflicts as part of the 1st Marine Division 1st Regiment, 3rd Battalion. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and also the Marine Corps. Good Conduct Medal. In addition to his awards, he also earned his high school education while serving. He later attended Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. The majority of Tom’s working life was spent working for General Motors as a lift truck driver and in manufacturing. He later retired from GM with 30 ½ years of employment. Tom served his community in many capacities, including being a member of the First United Methodist Church in Blissfield, the Blissfield American Legion, the Amvets, the Marine Corps. League, the Young Marines, the Sons of the Civil War and also of the Blissfield Kiwanis Club. He was a life member of the River Raisin Sportsman’s Club in Blissfield where he served as a Hunter Safety Instructor, an NRA Benefactor and also an NRA Pistol and Rifle Instructor. Tom was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 30 years and he made a difference in many people’s lives through his dedication and motivational meetings with individuals including those serving time in jail and prison. He also served as a volunteer counselor for the Maurice Spear Campus in Adrian. When Tom wasn’t busy helping others, he often enjoyed hunting up north with his family. He will be sadly missed by many. Surviving is his wife, Dorothy Spiegel of Blissfield; his children, Rick Spiegel of Morenci, Troy Spiegel of Blissfield and Candi (Bob) Harris of Blissfield; 2 step-daughters, Pam (Fred) Glutsch of Linden, MI and Vicki (Kevin) Ruettinger of Tecumseh; 1 brother, DuWaine (Josephine) Spiegel of Blissfield and 4 grandchildren, Kylene and Breanna Spiegel and Nicole and Brooke Harris; 4 step-grandchildren, Jennifer, Ashley, Carrie and Travis; 5 step-great-grandchildren and his faithful companion Bubba, his dog. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Randy Spiegel and his brother, Larry Spiegel. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Tom “Bull Dog” Spiegel will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with the Rev. Aden Porter officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield with full Military Rites conducted by the United States Marine Corps. League. Visitation will take place on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. and also on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home in Blissfield. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hickman Cancer Center, Hospice of Lenawee or to the Blissfield Fire Dept. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Condolences may be made to the Spiegel family online at www.wagleyfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Spiegel

January 28, 1937 - October 29, 2010