Jerome 'Jerry' Francis Spiess, a man with at least nine lives and a laugh you could never forget, passed away on September 24, 2025, at age 72. He lived simply, fully, and always on his own terms—even when life had other plans.
Born May 21, 1953, in Hays, Kansas, to John and Eleanor Spiess, Jerry was a lifelong Kansan and longtime resident of Russell. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eleanor Spiess.
He is survived by his three children—Jason Spiess of Paradise, KS; Kelly Wellbrock and her husband Brett of Salina, KS; and Melanie Dennis and her husband Travis of Springfield, MO—seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and four siblings: Sharon Cohoon, Carol Weigel, Jim Spiess, and Joe Spiess. Raised in a Catholic family, Jerry attended seminary high school in Victoria and graduated from Thomas More Prep in Hays (Class of 1971). He later built a career in the oilfields—where the work was tough, but never tougher than him. After a life-changing accident, he got back up, reinvented himself, and earned a computer science degree from Salina Tech. He proved that grit and curiosity go hand in hand, especially when you move to the beat of your own drum.
Sharp, funny, and unconventional in all the best ways, Jerry made auctions his playground. Predicting his negotiations was impossible—he could put together deals that made you chuckle, scratch your head, or both. And if he scored something, he was quick to offer you first pick. Selfless to the core, Jerry was happiest giving things away—including his many boat conquests. Though no one ever took him up on it, the offer always stood: “Need a boat? It’s a pretty good deal!”
He bought and reinvented the local laundromat, where the whole family pitched in and somehow found joy in the routine. He sponsored his kids’ softball team, cheered from the sidelines, and proudly supported the Russell community and his oilfield family. He also rang the church bells—a quiet role he carried with pride.
When not working or bidding on treasures, Jerry loved fishing. He was always proud to show off a secret fishing hole—usually with a twinkle in his eye and a story to go with it. He believed the best things in life were simple, shared, and slightly off the beaten path.
Jerry had a way of seeing life clearly—especially when others got tangled in the details. When stress crept in, he’d strip things down to their simplest truths. 'Money is just fancy paper,' he’d say with a grin, reminding you to focus on what really matters. His wisdom was quiet but grounding—and he had a gift for cutting through the noise and helping you reset, not with advice, but with perspective.
Of all his accomplishments, Jerry took the most pride in his children. He never missed a chance to brag about them or support them in his own unique way. His grandchildren—and now great-grandchild—brought him that same joy.
More than anything, Jerry was resilient, fiercely himself, and endlessly entertaining. His laugh—loud, genuine, contagious—was a gift to everyone who knew him. Tough as they come, he showed us how to live fully, bend the rules a little, and never, ever give up.
The family wishes to thank the Russell community for their support, friendship, and kindness throughout the years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 11, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. A private burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Hays, where Jerry will rest beside his parents.
Memorials may be made to the Homestead Nutrition Project in Russell and sent in care of Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.
Please share memories on Jerry’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com Arrangements are under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.