Edward Joseph Spegel Junior
May 27, 1946 – October 23, 2025
Edward Joseph Spegel Junior, age 79, passed away peacefully at home in Bay City on October 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Ed was a dedicated husband to Roxanne Spegel (Boman), with whom he shared 44 wonderful years of marriage. He was the proud father of Ken Spegel, Jody (Karl) Brown, Kelly (Adam) Russell, and Louis (Alicia) Spegel. Ed’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Holden and Isla Brown, Clara and Henry Russell, and Edward Spegel. He is also survived by his siblings: Karen Evans, David (Dianne) Spegel, Dan Spegel, Gary (Maggie) Spegel, and Laurie (Bob) Ford, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and close family friends the LaFaves. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Shirley Spegel, his brother-in-law Fred Gerrity, sister-in-law Mary Spegel, sister-in-law Janice Spegel, nephew Joe Spegel, and niece Michelle Spegel.
Ed—affectionately known as “Butch”—spent his childhood in Hampton Township and his adolescent years on the family farm in Crump. He shared his family’s deep love for the outdoors, finding joy in fishing and hunting, and appreciating the peace and adventure that nature provided.
Ed answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force where he was stationed primarily at Pope Air Force Base in South Carolina ( though his top choices were to be stationed in Alaska or Australia). Ed’s dedication and leadership were recognized with a promotion to the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1972.
After the service, Ed went back to work at GM and playing softball in the local leagues. It was no surprise to anyone that he met his future bride at a ball game in 1979. Ed and Roxanne married in 1981, then in 1983 moved to their Bangor Township home which became his sanctuary. He could often be found tending to his prolific garden or tinkering in his garage listening to old country music. Garage chats with Ed were a privilege his family will sorely miss. Some of Ed’s most cherished memories were playing community league volleyball on the same team with Louie and Kelly, watching his kids play sports, and hanging out with his grandkids. A loyal Michigan fan, “Hail to the Victors” was his theme song and game days at the Spegel house were lively events, filled with cheering, intense debates, and plenty of noise.
Ed retired from General Motors in 1997, which allowed him to continue to pursue his love of sports. He played softball, blooper ball, volleyball, took up ice skating, and even participated in the Senior Olympics. When not outdoors, Ed enjoyed computer games, especially “Call of Duty,” where he played under the handle “Wimpy.” In his later years, Ed and Roxanne enjoyed escaping Michigan winters in Florida, where he relished the sunshine, wildlife, and played in a softball league until the age of 75.
As the patriarch of the Spegel family, Ed was a calming, steady presence. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His dry sense of humor, unconditional love, and steadfast support will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. The family is deeply appreciative of hospice, whose diligent care made it possible for Ed to spend his final days peacefully at home. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.