Memorial
Marie Louise Spieler, 86, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Marie was born on July 31, 1939, and lived a life defined by faith, kindness, service, and a deep love for family and community. She graduated in 1957 from Heelan Catholic HS in Sioux City, IA, and answered her calling to care for others through nursing. Marie obtained her RN degree from St Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in 1960 and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Coe College in 1975.
Her nursing career reflected both compassion and dedication. She served in pediatrics at Mercy Medical Center, later became a school nurse for the Cedar Rapids School District, and concluded her professional life as the Health Director and Wellness Coordinator at Coe College. Marie was a proud member of Iota Rho Nursing Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau, and the American Nurses Association.
On June 24, 1961, Marie married the love of her life, Deene Spieler, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jefferson, SD. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and hospitality. Marie was deeply family-focused and cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She especially loved hosting family holidays and was known as the “Hostess with the Mostess.” One of her most treasured traditions was the Spieler Sisters’ Weekend, where Marie delighted in planning a fun and creative theme each year. Her relationship with her sister, Joyce, and brother-in-law, Ron was one of her greatest joys.
Marie is survived by her children: Kimberly (Steve) Baltes, Kurt (Joanna) Spieler, and Kerri (Rick) Reed; her grandchildren: Kylie (Cody) Bales, Bethany (Jason) Volk, Danielle (Landon) Langer, Taylor (Zach) Miller, Logan (Precious) Spieler, Riley Reed (Caitlyn Pelissero), and Toby Reed (Skylar Harlan); and her great-grandchildren: Carter Veasman, Cora Bales, Cooper Bales, Hadley Volk, and Bennett Volk.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Deene Spieler; her daughter, Kristine; her sister, Joyce McClintock; her brother, James, and sister-in-law, Mary Chicoine, and parents Adrian and Helen Chicoine, along with other loved ones.
Marie’s love of service to others led her to generously volunteer her time. Marie and Deene were sponsors with the St. Pius Catholic Church Engaged and Young Married Couples programs. Marie later volunteered for many years as a nurse with the Community Free Health Clinic and as an American Heart Association CPR instructor. A devoted member of St. Pius, Marie also lovingly visited homebound parishioners, bringing cards, treats, and—most importantly—her warm smile.
Marie was an avid walker and enjoyed tennis and golf. She loved watching sports, especially her beloved Hawkeyes, and also the Cyclones after having three children (and their spouses) graduate from ISU. Marie enjoyed sewing, crafting, gardening, and treasured her many friendships. She met frequently with the Jackson Group, Taco Group, Friday Friends Group, and nursing colleagues. Marie had an adventurous spirit and a true passion for travel. Grammy delighted in taking each of her seven grandchildren on a Road Scholar trip to a location of their choosing.
Marie will be remembered for her kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, cheerfulness, and helpful spirit. Her caring and generous heart touched countless lives, and her legacy of love and service will continue through all who were blessed to know her. Marie will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and many friends.
Visitation will be from 4-7 pm (Rosary at 3:30 pm), Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Cedar Memorial State Room, Cedar Rapids, IA. The funeral is at 10:30 am Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, IA. Please consider wearing blue, Marie’s favorite color.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given to:
Community Health Free Clinic – 947 14th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
St. Pius X Catholic Church or The Alzheimer’s Association – Iowa Chapter