"Holding John?s family in my heart. The slide show brought back such fond memories of the Speltz family. John was such a sweet boy. And it seems he grew into a wonderful person. So very sorry for your loss. Helene Olson-Reed, one of Ann?s friends who spent a lot of time at the Speltz house on Broadway."
In loving memory of
John Anthony Speltz
March 22, 1962 - February 12, 2020
John Anthony Speltz of St. Charles, Minnesota passed away on February 12, 2020. Born to Jerome C. Speltz and Laurine (Schneider) Speltz on March 22, 1962, and raised in Winona, Minnesota, John graduated from Cotter High School in 1980, and from St. Thomas University in 1985, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a focus in Financial Management. John's goal as a college graduate was to become a small business entrepreneur, and in 1990, after extensive research, he secured the Subway franchise for the southeast region of Minnesota. John opened his first Subway restaurant in Rochester, Minnesota, eventually owning and operating 11 Subway restaurants in partnership with his brother Joseph Speltz. Their different talents complemented each other; the brothers rarely ever had a disagreement. John recently told Joe, "I'm proud of our 30 year partnership. We did it the right way. Not the easy way."
John was not only a stellar entrepreneur, he was also a community leader, advising and empowering many individuals to achieve their own financial success. John was awarded the Southeastern Minnesota Development Corporation's Annual Development Award in 2003 in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit, community volunteerism, and commitment to development in rural southeastern Minnesota. He chaired Subway's regional advertising board for more than 20 years, and served on Subway's Strategic Planning Committee for over 25 years. John twice earned the title of Subway Franchisee of the Year. He served on the board of the Winona County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and was active with the St. Charles Economic Development Authority.
Whether teaching young people about financial management, shepherding a friend through the process of constructing a new facility for his business, or helping employees in need, John truly embodied the idea of "paying it forward." John had a rare ability to connect with and inspire others. One of his former employees recalls that "It didn't matter what your past was, John accepted you--but held us all to high standards, in life and business." One of John's assistant managers, a Subway employee for more than 20 years, credits John for making her "the better person that I am today." Another former employee spoke for many when she said, "I loved John like a brother. He was the first one to believe in me." John did not neglect his own growth. A deeper spiritual life became increasingly important to him over the years, and he had participated in men's Bible study groups as a way to deepen his Christian faith and grow closer to Jesus.
John's energy, thoughtful intelligence, and ability to listen closely were equally evident in his family life. He married the love of his life, Ellen (Fuchsel) Speltz, on January 5, 2002, and their sons Jonathan and Nathan Speltz were born in November 2002 and November 2003. In the same way that John supported and mentored his many Subway employees, he poured his heart into parenting his sons, passing on his sense of integrity and his curiosity about the world, as well as a strong belief in working hard while always making time for fun and adventure. Most particularly, John nurtured in his boys a love of the outdoors and a passion for hunting and fishing. From a very young age, John explored the hills around Rollingstone, Minnesota, learning to hunt deer with gun and bow, and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. John taught his sons to fish the Mississippi River and Lake Winona, and in more recent years, the family spent many happy weekends at a cabin on nearby Lake Pepin. John also organized many memorable trips with family and friends to remote parts of the United States and Canada for hunting and fishing. He loved his extended family, the close-knit Speltz and Fuchsel clans, and took great pleasure in impromptu gatherings and family reunions.
John's beautiful smile and generosity enriched the lives of his family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. He will be missed by many. John is survived by his wife, Ellen Speltz; sons, Jonathan and Nathan; siblings, Laurine (Denis Ryono) Speltz, Ann (Stephen Fedo) Speltz, Paula (Roger) Roe, Jerome (Lisa Winkelmann Speltz) Speltz, Louis Speltz, Joseph (Deann Gehlhaart Speltz), Speltz, and Michael Speltz; and 32 nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2020 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (1900 East 6th Street, St. Charles, MN) with Rev. Tim Biren officiating. Lunch will follow at the church. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2020 at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service, St. Charles, and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass, Saturday at church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to In Touch Ministries (P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, Georgia 30357) or Kicking Bear, a nationwide faith-based, youth ministry that allows underprivileged and at-risk youth, or any youth, the opportunity to enjoy God's creation while experiencing fun outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing (P.O. Box 194, La Crescent, MN 55947).
Please leave a memory of John and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service, St. Charles, is assisting the family.
Tributes
"John. How incredibly blessed were we to have had such a beautiful friend as you in our lives! we will miss you, but never forget!.. You have left an impression on us! You are Home now!...... Brent"
"Dear Ellen, May God comfort you and Jonathan and Nathan to help you understand and deal with this terrible loss. My prayers keep coming. Ave Maria"
"My heart goes out to John's family. I have great memories of John from the 80's when he was attending St. Thomas college. I met John when we both worked at a gas station in St. Paul called HCO. Our friendship blossomed for the next several years after that. John was kind, smart and adventurous. I'm still in disbelief hearing of his passing. "
"What are the attributes that define a man, what are the qualities we should all strive for. My best good friend John possessed all of these qualities in abundance. He was a Good & Kind man. He was a Considerate man. He was a Generous man in spirit and in actions. He was a Commpassionate and Humble man. John was a man to emulate. My friend will be missed for all of the joy and leadership and friendship and compassion that he showed to me and to others. What a good husband, what a good father, what a good friend. I'll be blessed if I'm able to join you in heaven Manny. "
"Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers. Rita Heer Arola"
"Dear Ellen, we are so sorry for your loss. I didn?t know John, but am sure that he was a wonderful husband, a great father to your two rambunctious boys and a kind friend to many people. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. With love, Kathy and Steve"
"Ellen I'm so sorry for your loss. May ur faith get u all thru these difficult days ahead and hold all ur memeoires close. U all have a special angel ? watching over u all. Sending lots of hugs and prayers to u all! ??"
"Ellen and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. May your faith and memories help you through these difficult times. Hugs and prayers...Oona Markielewski"
"RIP Old Friend"
"The Scherbring Family has a special place in our hearts for you, John. May the hills and the deer in our valley give praise for your life and your love for the woods. Happy Hunting in Heaven!!!! "
"Ellen so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Know God will lead you in the days ahead.Stay strong! Sue & Les Radcliffe"
"John was a mentor and good friend I will miss him so much. Ellen I am here to help anyway I can. "
"Hi Ellen I?m so sorry to hear of John?s passing. That?s way to young to lose a partner and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Prayers for your family Ellen. May your memories made together bring you some of God's peace. Amanda and Aaron Davis family"
"Rick, Judi & John Fabing
We were neighbors with John, Ellen & the boys in Lake City, MN n the Marina. It was fun watching them all walking or riding to their boat and fishing. We watched the boys grow up. Learning to play Pickleball with us. John will be missed. Love & Prayers to Ellen and all families and friends.
"
"Ellen and family, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Wendy Miller"
"Ellen, Jonathan and Nathan we were so sorry to hear about John. Heaven has gained another Beautiful Angel but way to soon. You have our deepest sympathy and prayers to guide you in the days ahead. Terry and Maribeth Garteski ( Josie Berglers Grandparents)"
"Ellen, Nathan and Jonny, I am so sorry for the loss of John. I just can?t believe it. What a great man! He will be missed not only on our fishing trips, but every other day. May the peace of the Lord comfort you during this time. "
"Oh Ellen and boys my heart is heavy for all of you. John was a dear friend that made a huge impact in mine and my families life. I remember how we met while he was going to St Thomas and all the fun we had. Praying for all of you. Hugs"
"Ellen and family- My condolences to you , the boys , and your families. He was a great man. Sharon Gathje Howe"
"Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Fellow parish family, Tom and Olivia Heim"
"Ellen, we are praying for you and the boys. I am so sorry. Blessings, Sarah Cox"
"We are continually praying for you, Ellen, Jonathan and Nathan. Know God will lead you and help you through these dark days. John is and will always be there to guide you. Love to you all.... Blessings Bretton-Billmeier?s "
"Thoughts and prayers to Ellen, Jonathon and Nathan. You have our sympathy. Jane and Mark Linderbaum and family "
"Ellen you and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers"
"John was one of the most amazing,kindest,giving man I have ever met ! I am so blessed to have been in his life! Ellen and Jonathan and Nathan my heart aches for you?s ! He loved you three more than life itself! I?m so sorry for your loss. "
"I am in shock,. Ellen you and your boys are in my prayers. I can't believe. "
"L I cannot stop crying Jonathan,Nathan words are just numb we are all numb I love you like family and I would love to talk at his funeral did my finger just spell funeral I love love love you guys ??????????????????"
"True friend that was like brother. Love him very much will be miss. Now it time for him to be our angle in heaven."
"Greatest man ever always looking out for everyone else."
"You will be truly missed John! My heart goes out to his Wife and sons. Prayers!!
~Angella and MaKinzleigh Lund"