Obituary of Leland Spearman

Leland Tino Spearman

April 18, 1937- October 10, 2022

Today, we celebrate life as Leland Tino Spearman, triumphs from labor to rest, from service to reward. As he goes to his eternal home, his memory will live on in the lives and hearts of those whom he touch and loved. The memories we shared will sustain us and shine brightly to lead us through the days ahead.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 18, 1937, Leland was the oldest son of Belle Hawkins and Leland Clark Spearman. He received his education in the Omaha Public School System. He was a student who loved to explore and understand how things worked. The family soon discovered that the toaster, mixer, clocks, and many other household appliances did not work quite the same after Leland dismantled and reassembled them again. His curiosity stayed with him throughout his lifetime.

He pursued professional opportunities that gave him the chance to find new ways to create things. He worked in a sugar factory, a seed factory that treated seeds for farmers, he was a forest firefighter, a nursing home supervisor, and he worked in a life jacket factory. When he retired he continued to create and explore new things. He made rosaries for the local church and fishing spinners, which he sold at the local flea market. Money from his rosaries went to the church as a donation.

He loved to travel and he traveled from Omaha to San Francisco, and Nyssa, Oregon which became his home. He made many wonderful friends along the way. On August 11, 1979, he married a lovely lady by the name of Debbie in San Francisco who had 3 wonderful children. They were married for six years.

When he moved to Nyssa, Oregon, and met the Proesch family he quickly became a permanent member of their family. He called Tim Proesch his son. He has been a part of their family for over 40 years. We are eternally grateful to Tim and Miranda for the loving care and kindness they gave to Leland throughout his illness and life. He loved their entire family and spoke so highly of each member.

Leland will be remembered for his love of dominoes, dice, and card games.

Leland is survived by his sister, Yvonne Harrison, and husband James; nephew Rahman Harrison and wife Arienne; niece Ayanna Harrison and son Eissa, all of who live in Maryland; son, Tim Proesch and wife Miranda; nephews, Hayden, Siegmund “siggy”, nieces, Kamryn, and Robbie, and close friends Michael and Bekah Lopez all who live in Nyssa. Oregon; and a host of friends and relatives.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Belle Spearman, and brother, Russell Spearman, both from Omaha, Nebraska.

Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing Friday, October 21st, 2022 from 3 pm-5 pm at Lienkaemper Funeral Chapel in Nyssa. A Rosary Mass will be held at St. Bridgets in Nyssa on Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 at 10 am, with a graveside service following at Hilltop Cemetery, Nyssa. There will be a luncheon at the Nyssa senior center following services.