In Memory of Roger Reese Spaulding

Roger Reese Spaulding, age 74, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Danbury, Iowa. Father James J. Tigges & Father Richard D. Ball will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Danbury, Iowa, with Military Rites by Carlson-Frum Post No. 0336 of the American Legion, Danbury, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Rosary at 6:45 p.m., with Vigil Service following at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Danbury, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Roger Reese Spaulding was born on February 13, 1952, at Hartley Hospital in Battle Creek, Iowa, the fourth child of Reese and Lula (Taylor) Spaulding. He was raised in the Battle Creek area, where he developed a strong sense of family and work ethic, and graduated from Maple Valley High School with the Class of 1971.

In December 1971, Roger honorably answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. Following basic training, he was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. On October 6, 1973, he married his sweetheart, Lois Moser, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Danbury, Iowa. Together, they began their married life in Columbus, building a foundation of love and partnership that would endure for decades. 

In September 1974, Roger was deployed to Udorn Air Force Base in Thailand, where he worked on aircraft supporting operations during the Vietnam War. His service reflected both dedication and quiet strength. Later that year, he was honorably discharged and returned home.

Roger and Lois then made their home in Bear Creek, Alabama, where Roger pursued his passion for mechanics by enrolling in Diesel Mechanic School at Russellville Technical School. He graduated in August 1976, while working for Gene Lyle Wrecker and Ambulance Service, demonstrating the determination and work ethic that would define his life. He remained there until June 1978, when he and Lois returned to Iowa.

Throughout his career, Roger earned the respect of colleagues and community members alike through his skill, reliability, and integrity. He worked for Nail IH and Collins John Deere in Mapleton, John Deere in Sioux City, and later served as Director of Transportation for the Battle Creek Community School District until its merger with Ida Grove. He concluded his career with Hultgren John Deere Implement, where he worked for several years before retiring in March 2014.

Roger was a devoted father and proud “Papa,” whose greatest joy came from supporting his children and grandchildren. He was their constant encourager and steadfast presence, always showing up with quiet pride for every activity and milestone. During the summer months, he gave generously of his time as a dedicated 4-H father and spent countless hours mowing the Ida County Fairgrounds and helping create lasting experiences for his children.

He treasured time spent with his family in the Big Horns, where camping, fishing, and the beauty of the outdoors brought him deep happiness. At home, Roger took great pride in raising his cow-calf pairs, finding fulfillment in nurturing both his livestock and the family he loved so deeply.

Known for his strong work ethic, Roger was rarely at rest. He could often be found tinkering on a tractor, cutting hay, feeding livestock, or faithfully working through his wife’s “honey-do” list. No task was too small when it came to caring for his family and home. 

In 2024, Roger’s boys convinced him to participate in his very first tractor pull. Driving his John Deere 4020, affectionately known as “Pat,” he embraced the moment wholeheartedly. The memories made that day stand as a lasting testament to the love, laughter, and dedication he shared with his family, memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

Roger was preceded in death by his son, Dain Spaulding; grandsons, Wyatt Stein and Coyle Love; parents, Reese and Lula Spaulding; sisters, Evelyn Erpelding and Susie Maas; and brother, James Spaulding.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife 52 years, Lois Spaulding of Battle Creek, IA; children: Luke (Joni) Spaulding of Upton, WY, Cody (Whitney) Spaulding of Moorcroft, WY, Whitt (Sheryl) Spaulding of Cushing, IA, and Shiliah (Bryan) Stein of Clare, IA; grandchildren: Parker, Tucker, Clancy, Conagher, Quintin, Dale Kay, Quigley, Qordell, Delainey Warren, Ellie Ann, Sully, Stetson Lula, Lane, Reese Taylor, and Bailey Jean; and a host of dear friends. 

Roger’s life was marked by dedication to his country, commitment to his work, and, above all, devotion to his family.