William "Bill" C. Spier

William (Bill) C. Spier, 61 of Rolling Prairie, IN passed away, Friday, September 22, 2017­ at Memorial Hospital surrounded by his caring family. Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Susan, of 38 years. Bill was born on May 31, 1956 in South Bend to William and Dorothy (Bachtel) Spier who survive.

Bill graduated from LaSalle High School in 1974 where he played football and baseball. He attended­ the University of Georgia and graduated from Purdue University.

Bill retired from New Prairie United School Corporation after teaching Earth and Environmental Science at the high school for 32 years.  During his time teaching, he coached several sports and quiz bowl.  In addition, he looked forward to leading a group of students on an annual back-packing trip to the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia.  He inspired and encouraged students to love science and care about the earth.

Bill was a humble and purposeful man with an adventurous spirit. He was an avid birder, reader, and had a passion for gardening: planting native, rare and unusual plants, and trees creating his own nature preserve.  The outdoors is where he found inner peace.

Bill is survived by one sister, Teri Spier of South Bend, two brothers, Mike (Renee) Spier of Three Rivers, Michigan, Jim (Pam Clark) Spier of South Bend. Sisters-in-law Carol (Jerry) Grontkowski of Granger, IN, Gail Peczkowski of Naperville, IL, Sandy (Tim) Golichowski of Granger, IN and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by father and mother in-law, John and Betty Peczkowski.

Bill endured the challenges of Multiple Myeloma with strength and courage. The family would like to thank Dr. Rashid Khan and the staff at Michiana Hematology/Oncology for their compassionate care. 

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held.  Memorial Contributions can be made to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203; International Myeloma Foundation,12650 Riverside Dr., #206, North Hollywood, CA 91607; or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend is handling arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.kaniewski.com.