Wilfred Spaeth

Wilfred Ambrose “Bud” Spaeth, of Morgan, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his hometown on December 15, 2025, at the age of 91. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bud will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, and generous spirit. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan with burial to follow in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held one and half hour prior to his service from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at the church.

The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Services of Redwood Falls and Morgan are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Born October 7, 1934, in Morgan, Bud(dy) was the youngest of nine children born to Wolfgang and Bertha (Braun) Spaeth. His roots in Morgan ran deep—he spent 79 years living in the same farmhouse where he was born before moving into town in 2013. Bud’s father immigrated to America in 1912, and although Wolfgang came alone, his family legacy flourished in the heart of Minnesota. Bud was close to his mother’s family and his siblings, cherishing their time together across the years.

Bud attended St. Michael's Catholic parochial school, where he graduated from the 8th grade in 1950, before joining his father in farming—a vocation that became his lifelong work. Farming wasn’t simply an occupation for Bud; it was a calling, a labor of love, and a testament to his commitment to the land and community that shaped him. Through years of hard work, Bud upheld the values that defined him: honesty, loyalty, faithfulness, and generosity. He was a man slow to speak, but his actions spoke loudly of integrity and devotion.

Faith was central to Bud’s life. A lifelong member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan, he faithfully attended Mass and contributed time and effort to the church community. In his later years, Bud could be found volunteering for church services and assisting at a Farmfest booth, where his steady presence and gentle humor were always appreciated. His service extended into civic life as well, with membership in the local Lions Club during his retirement.

Bud married Theresa Cecilia Schweiss, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and family. Together, they raised ten children, ensuring that each attended parochial school and understood the same values that guided Bud throughout his life. Bud and Theresa’s home was one of welcome and warmth, where new family members—by marriage or birth—were embraced wholeheartedly.

Bud found joy in simple pleasures: cheering for Minnesota sports teams, particularly the Twins, Gophers, and Vikings; reading and listening to Sid Hartman’s commentaries; attending polka dances, playing cards and fishing with friends and relatives; and, every now and then, enjoying a trip to the casino for lighthearted fun. Above all, he loved watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, play sports, taking great pride in their accomplishments and in the family bond that grew ever stronger.

Bud is survived by his wife of 68 years, Theresa; sons Gary (Sandra), Ronnie, Larry (Brandy), Kenneth (Tina), Thomas (special friend Leslie), and Kevin (Kari); daughters Laurie (James) Sander, Sandra Snyder, Lisa (Todd) Stalter, and Amy Spaeth; 24 grandchildren, and 45 great-grandchildren; his sister Lucille Losleben, and his sister-in-law Delores Spaeth. He is also survived by Theresa's siblings Gena Hanson, Julianna Brooks, Lawrence (Susan), Agnes Mattes, Michael (Julie), Leo (Cindy), and David (Cynthia) and Theresa's sister-in-law Mary Schweiss and her brother-in-law Leon Weber. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Joan Spaeth, and grandchild Brandon Spaeth, siblings Antoinette (Harold) Schugel, Felix, Irene (Herbert) Fischer, Sylvester, Monica (Erwin) Suess, Loretta (Arthur) Simon, Alois (Margaret), and brother-in-law Armin Losleben, as well as his parents, Wolfgang and Bertha Spaeth. He was also preceded in death by Theresa's siblings Harold, and Juliette Weber, and Theresa's brothers-in-law Raymond Brooks and Mark Mattes.

Blessed be his memory.