Jock Spies, 85, of The Villages, Florida, died peacefully on September 12, 2016. Those who knew him will miss his sense of humor and loving spirit. Even in the last years of his life, as dementia progressed, he was known as the favorite in his nursing home residence for blowing kisses, playful smiles, and telling those around him how much he loved them.
Mr. Spies was born on January 27, 1931 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Donna Delores Jerale. He served his country honorably in the Korean War and, upon his return, completed his degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, where he was an accomplished percussionist in the University Concert and Marching Bands.
Following graduation, Jock and Donna moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, where he undertook a distinguished career with Employers Insurance of Wausau and its’ successor companies. He rose quickly through key assignments, ultimately developing and leading the company’s division, in the mid-1970’s that was a pioneer in the newly formed field of health insurance. Mr. Spies accepted the Directorship of the Boston University, Health Policy Institute, where he published and spoke widely on the developing field of health insurance. He completed his career as an executive in the health insurance industry in Dallas, Texas. Jock and Donna retired to The Villages, Florida where they were very active socially, travelled the world and were founding members of St. George Episcopal Church in The Villages.
Jock survived his devoted wife, Donna, who passed away in May of 2013 and is survived by his three children, Shari Spies of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Joni Vanselow of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Gary Spies (and wife Mari Draeger), of Richland, Michigan; five grandchildren, Jesse Vanselow, Henry Spies, Ella Segur (Tyler), Jason Vanselow and Michelle Haggerty (Michael); and brother-in-law Joel Jerale (Carol Morton).
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2016, located at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd., The Villages, FL 32159.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Episcopal Church in the name of Jock and Donna Spies.
