Obituary of David Lee Spelde

David Lee Spelde, 62 of Gilbert, Arizona passed away August 22, 2023, at his home where he resided with his wife Lori.  He was surrounded by his family while he took his last breath. David fought hard, but in the end he went peacefully. David was born in Harvey, IL (Cook County) to Anthony & Florence Spelde and attended Thornwood High School in South Holland, IL.

 

David worked at Jays Potato Chips for many years. He moved to Gilbert, AZ and worked at Mesa Fully Formed where he retired in July of 2023. David had a wonderful knack for solving problems, he was always so resourceful. It was in Arizona where David and Lori first met and were married on January 5, 2002. Their love story is like none other, love at first sight, best friends and together in love successfully blending their two families. They would have been married 22 years on January 5, 2024.

 

David truly lived life to the fullest. He loved his family fiercely and worked hard every day. He put himself second, everyone else first. He wanted you to always feel welcome in his home, making sure you had enough to eat, drink etc. He had a larger-than-life personality. He loved to make people laugh by telling many jokes he knew. He loved his friends, many old and new. He loved to be outside on a nice day, grilling, listening to music, loudly, with a cold beer in his hand. He and his wife Lori loved to entertain. Together they hosted many parties/gatherings over the years. Dave loved to have all his people under one roof having a great time, that is what touched his soul the greatest.  He was a simple man, didn’t need much. He was an emotional man with a lot of heart. He was a force of nature, one of a kind. David will be deeply missed and will live in our hearts forever.

 

David is survived by his wife, Lori Sue Spelde of Gilbert, AZ. Son, Charles Louis (Randi) Spelde of Gilbert, AZ. Daughter, Sarah Elizabeth (Andrew) Smith of Mesa, AZ. Son, Ethan David (Theresa) Spelde of Gilbert, AZ. Stepson, Zachary Todd Kleiner of Gilbert, AZ. Grandchildren, Paisley Anne Smith, Marshall Michael Spelde, Palmer Lee Smith, Jackson Louis Spelde, Parker James Smith and Mackenzie Marie Spelde. His Brothers, Anthony (Emily) Spelde Jr. of Indianapolis, IN. Edward (Susan) Spelde of Valparaiso, IN. Gary (Anne) Shackleton of Dyer, IN.

 

He was preceded in death by: Anthony John Spelde (Father), Florence Anna Spelde (Mother) & Sharon Shackleton (Sister)

 

The family is planning a celebration of life, information to follow separately.

 

In memory of David Lee Spelde, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or MDAnderson.org/Gifts.

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