Leo "Jim" Spader

Leo “Jim” Spader, age 88, of Howard, died Friday, April 24, 2020, at Whispering Winds in Howard. A Mass of Christian Burial for family only will be 10:30 AM, Monday, April 27, 2020, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of Jim’s life open to the public will be held at a later date.

Leo Leonard (Jim) Spader was born February 2, 1932 to Leo and Helen (Smith) Spader on a farm North of Howard, SD.  He attended country school through eighth grade and then attended St. Agatha Catholic School in Howard. He farmed with his dad until 1950, then entered the Army and was honorably discharged in 1952. Upon returning from the Army, he continued to farm with his dad. He met a girl from Parker, SD, in 1953 and married that girl, Charlotte Marso, on June 17, 1957. They lived on a farm North of Howard until 1967, when they moved to Howard, where he drove truck for Randy’s Meats. Jim also worked at St. Agatha Catholic School, before beginning what would be a 42 year career driving bus for the Howard Public School System. He loved his “kids”, and was able to drive generations of families. During some of those years, Jim also did custodial work at the Miner County Bank. He finally stopped driving at 78 years of age.

Jim was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus of St. Agatha Parish, as well as the American Legion. He was a devout Catholic with unwavering faith, who read the Bible daily. God was of major importance in his life. Jim was also an avid sports fan who attended as many of his children’s and grand-children’s events as possible. He also volunteered to drive for as many charter trips as possible for Howard High School. Jim also rooted on the Yankees and Vikings, being able to see both of them play in person.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Charlotte, children, Joe and wife Ann of Sioux Falls, Al and wife Audrey of Howard, Kim Eggert and husband Warren of Howard, Brian and wife Lori of Lennox, and Ryan and wife Joleene of Howard. Grandchildren Adam (Lexy) Eggert, Amber Eggert, Lindsey (Andy) Cameron, Dylan Spader, Aric Spader, Brittany Spader, Alan Spader, Teigan Stroschein, Colton Spader, Tisyn Spader, Emmersyn Spader, Dakota Spader, Brody Spader and Sophia Spader. Two great-granddaughters, Kenna Cameron and Mckenzie Eggert. Sister, Bonnie Burmeister, brother, Russell (Twila) Spader, sister-in-law, Sheri Spader, and many many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Patricia Ann in 1988, grandsons, baby boy Eggert and Andrew Eggert, sister, Gloria Rotert, brothers, Hugh and Richard Spader, and favorite uncle Stewart Smith.

In leiu of flowers the family request a donation to the American Lung Association or the South Dakota Parkinson's Foundation

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