Elmer A. Spree

Elmer A. Spree, 86, of Republic, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2021. He was born Sept. 20, 1935, to Emil and Louise (Bracht) Spree in Freistatt. Spree was one of six children in the home.
Spree married Linda Rodgers in November of 1956, and this union was blessed with four children - Ronald, Randall, Sheryl and Richard. Elmer and Linda had a farm just north of Billings. Elmer and Linda also owned Plaza Wallpaper and Paint, with multiple locations throughout the area, as well as Nixa tanning salon.
Spree also served on the Billings School Board for eight years and a term as school board president, he volunteered at Mercy Hospital for over 12 years, and delivered Meals on Wheels in the community.
Spree and wife Linda were founding members of Hope Lutheran Church in Republic, where he served in many offices to include church elder, as well as singing in the choir for many years.
Spree is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sheryl Wootan, son Randy Spree, brother Floyd Spree, sisters Florence Voskamp and Alice Kleiboeker and brother-in-law Paul Dieckhoff.
Spree is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Linda; sons Ron Spree and Ric (Sarah) Spree, six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings Ray (Allene) Spree and Gladys Dieckhoff; nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
A visitation was from 1-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, at Hope Lutheran Church, Republic,  with funeral services following at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Republic.