John Speldrich

John Edward Speldrich, age 92 of Elrosa, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Saturday the 26th of September 2026, at the Paynesville Healthcare Center in Paynesville, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday the 17th of October 2026, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa with Rev. Kevin Soenneker presiding. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Saturday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Lake Henry American Legion.

A meal will be served in the church basement by the Christian Mothers following the cemetery service.

John was born October 21, 1933, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, to the late John "Hans" and Anna (Weinmann) Speldrich. In 1954, John married Alma Petermeier, and together they were blessed with a beautiful family and seven children.

John achieved success across many distinct careers throughout his life. He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954 and was stationed at Camp Irwin in California. Following his service, he returned to Minnesota to run the family farm. Recognizing that farming wasn't his final calling, he returned to school and became one of the leading auctioneers in the region, working for many years at the Belgrade Livestock Auction. Around the same time, John built and owned a thriving feeder pig business.

Eventually, the allure of the California desert they fell in love with during his military service called them back, prompting John and Alma to relocate to Southern California. There, John started a new chapter as a car rental agent before returning to school once more to become a real estate agent, and eventually a real estate broker. He received numerous industry awards before retiring at the proud age of 90. Over his lifetime, John enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, hunting, golfing, traveling, and—above all—lots of fishing. He was also a loyal, long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of the American Legion for over 50 years.

John is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Alma (Petermeier) Speldrich; his children, Bernadette (Keith) Morrison, Joe (Kelly) Speldrich, Marie (John) Illies, John (Mary) Speldrich, and Mark Speldrich; as well as 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; his son, Gerald Speldrich; and his daughter, Alma Speldrich.

In lieu of flowers and standard donations, the family kindly asks that you contribute to the Eagle's Healing Nest, in loving memory of John Edward Speldrich.

Eagle’s Healing Nest, 310 US-71, Sauk Centre, Minnesota 56378. 320-351-6200. EagleHealingNest.Org