Louise M. Speltz, 75, of Altura died Tuesday morning, April 16, 2013, at home surrounded by loving family.

Louise Margaret Rauen was born March 31, 1938, in Adams, Minn., to William and Marie (Retterath) Rauen. She graduated from Adams High School in 1956 and began working in the surgical unit at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. She was introduced to Gerhardt (Gary) Speltz on a blind date. The couple was united in marriage Sept. 6, 1958, in Adams at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and moved to Oak Ridge to the Speltz family farm. Louise was proud of the life she and Gary built on the farm and was by his side through all the ups and downs of farm life. They truly were soulmates and enjoyed 40 happy years together until Gary's death in 1998.

Louise was a wonderful loving mother and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was an excellent cook and shared with all who entered her home. Playing cards was a favorite pastime, and she was always ready and looked forward to an all-day card game with family and friends. Louise's siblings were very important to her. They included her on their fun adventures, such as a week of fishing every summer and many trips to the casino. Over the years, Louise spent many happy times traveling with neighbors and family, reading, tending her roses and playing bingo. Faith played a large role in Louise's life. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church of Oak Ridge until its closing, then a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone.

Louise is survived by her children, Kevin (Nancy) of St. Joseph, Mo., Amy (Bruce) Dickerson of Hudson, Wis., Keith (Theresa) of Altura, Ellen (Todd) Prill of Chippewa Falls, Wis., and Kenneth Speltz of Hastings; grandchildren, Alex, Kallie and Clayton Speltz, Christopher and Daniel Thomas, Catherine and Andrew Dickerson, Tyler, Erin and Caleb Speltz, Allison and Collin Prill; brothers, Edwin (Mary Lou) Rauen, Robert (Carol) Rauen and Willie (Bea) Rauen; sister, Virginia (Vincent) Stienessen; and son-in-law, Wally (Deb) Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerhardt; daughter, Sandy Thomas; and an infant daughter, Mary.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 19, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone, and also one hour prior to Mass. A prayer service will be offered at 7 p.m. Friday at church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with the Rev. William Kulas officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery at Oak Ridge.

Memorials may be directed to the Eagles Cancer Telethon, Mayo Clinic for heart disease or Multiple Sclerosis.

Please share a memory of Louise with her family, sign the online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com

Winona Daily News, April 18, 2013