Dr. Spellman, a deacon of the diocese, dies
By Renee Webb, Globe diocesan news editor
Posted February 21, 2002

With the death of Dr. George Spellman, the Diocese of Sioux City lost a faithful servant and strong leader.

"Obviously, he was a fine Catholic gentleman," said Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo.

As a deacon, a worker in the vineyard of the Lord, the bishop said Dr. Spellman was a great witness to the faith. In addition to serving as a strong role model in church work, the bishop noted that the deacon was known to reflect these same qualities in his medical profession.

Dr. Spellman was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate of the Diocese of Sioux City in 1988. He served at Blessed Sacrament church in Sioux City.

Last fall, Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo and the Diocese of Sioux City awarded Dr. Spellman and his wife, Carol, the Leadership in Catholic Education Award.

"It says something of his great commitment to Catholic schools," said the bishop. At the time of their award, Bishop DiNardo referred to the Spellmans as magnificent examples of faith in action.

Bishop Lawrence D. Soens, retired bishop of the diocese, said that Dr. George Spellman was above all else a man of God, a man of deep faith.

"That faith provided him with a great sense of values. Every facet of his life was placed within the context of his Catholic values. He was an excellent example of a man who realized the value of human life as a precious gift from God and the greatest gift from God. He was keenly aware that our various talents are also gifts from God, to be used for the good of mankind," he said.

Bishop Soens said the deacon was an outstanding physician, a dedicated husband and father, a leader in the civic community and in the field of medicine, an unwavering advocate for Catholic schools, a gifted deacon, and an untiring churchman.

"I extend condolences to his family and many friends, feeling privileged to be numbered among those friends. We will miss his presence and example," he said.

Dr. Spellman was known for his devotion to and support of the Carmelite Sisters. He helped make arrangements for the monastery to open here 40 years ago.

In an interview with The Globe last fall, Dr. Spellman said he decided to set up medical in Sioux City back in 1950 because of the city's strong Catholic schools. In 1958, Dr. Spellman served as chair of the United Catholic Education Campaign that funded Heelan's CYO Center, Epiphany Grade School, Sacred Heart Grade School and benefited all Sioux City parishes in some way.

That was one of three major campaigns that he chaired for the Diocese of Sioux City. He chaired the priests' retirement fund campaign as well as Cathedral's remodeling campaign.

At one point, Dr. Spellman joked that "whenever people would see me coming, they would go the other way, thinking I was looking for more money."

Steve Elbert, diocesan development director, said he would describe Dr. Spellman as a soldier for Christ.

"He never wavered on his convictions, on his faith. He was a great example for all," said Elbert. "Dr. Spellman and his wife, Carol, were very supportive of development efforts in the diocese. He epitomized what it means to be a steward of time, talent and treasure."

As a member of the Catholic School Foundation, the development director said Dr. Spellman "has done so much for the teachers and Catholic schools throughout the diocese."

Deacon Ron Forrest, co-director of the permanent diaconate, said that deacons are called to be servants and "if ever there was a man who was a servant, it was George Spellman. He was very firm in his faith."

He recalled the advice that Dr. Spellman gave him when he was in formation for the diaconate. "He told me, if you ever become a deacon don't just read the Gospel, proclaim it. That was solid advice that I still follow today."

And as far as Dr. Spellman goes, those who knew him believe that he not only proclaimed the Gospel during Mass but also did so in everyday life.