Family, Community to Remember Sheriff Spiegel at Memorial Golf Tournament this Saturday

Although it’s been a year and a half since Albion lost Boone County Sheriff Dave Spiegel to cancer, his memory remains close by to those in the community, and especially to his family and friends as they prepare for the 2nd Annual Dave Spiegel Memorial Golf Tournament to be held this Saturday at 9 a.m. in Albion. 

Spiegel succumbed to glioblastoma brain cancer on January 4, 2014. Gliomas are primary brain tumors that exist in multiple grades. Glioblastomas are classified as grade IV, and are considered the most aggressive of the brain tumors.

Sheriff Spiegel’s initial diagnosis was, understandably, shocking.

Wife of 36 years, Linda Spiegel, relates, “That was the last thing we expected to hear as a diagnosis.  It was devastating at first.”

The initial shock of the cancer diagnosis was quickly replaced by a sense of urgency to make decisions regarding treatment options. Dave and Linda were resolved to meet the challenge head on from the very start.

“Then you try to pick yourself up and move forward.  We knew we had to fight this as long as we could.  There was never a question not to take treatments.  We were both raised in strong families that worked hard and didn’t give up. ”

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Perhaps the Albion native’s 26-year-long career with the Nebraska State Patrol and the SWAT team uniquely prepared him to take on this entirely new form of foe. 

“[His work] taught him a lot about discipline. He set a high standard for himself in whatever he did, and his goals were always met. Dave had a great attitude. We were lucky that he could continue to work through most of his treatments.”

Linda encourages those who may be undergoing a cancer diagnosis for him/herself or for a spouse to lean upon God and friends and family as much as possible.

“First and foremost, pray to God for guidance and strength to help you on the journey you are about to start.  Let friends and family help you. They are the ones that can ease the heavy load ahead with the many decisions to be made. Our family and friends were a huge plus in helping us cope. But our faith in God was what kept us going.”

Approaching the Memorial Golf Tournament, Linda recalls what she remembers most about her late husband, who loved the game.

“What I remember the most about Dave is his integrity, honesty, fairness.  He had a knack for being able to talk to people to calm many situations.”

Funds from the tournament will go toward cancer research and treatment. Specifically, Linda would like to help lighten the load for those in the midst of cancer treatment. 

“Taking treatments involves a lot of time on the road.  Our family wanted to help families who might be struggling to get to those appointments.  We were lucky and didn’t have to go far, but some have to stay overnight.  We wanted to be able to provide gas cards, motel rooms, or any items needed in the making patients comfortable while taking treatments.”

As anyone who has had a spouse lose the battle with cancer will attest, the journey from the diagnosis through the treatment, and then the grief of the funeral and the healing after it, is extraordinarily difficult. Linda readily admits as much.

“Our family is doing better every day.  Grief is a very complicated thing.  Just when you think things are ok, a moment will happen and the memories start flooding back.  Grief doesn’t go away, it just fades slowly.”

Moving forward once again, Linda recounts her blessings every day.

“I have been blessed to have 3 beautiful strong daughters and 2 wonderful granddaughters, along with abundant family and friends.  They have been the stepping stone to healing.”