Byrdia M. Spidahl

Byrdia M. Spidahl, 84, Devils Lake ND died June 7, 2022, in Arborview Nursing Home in Wisconsin Rapids WI under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Funeral Services for Byrdia will be held on July 25, 2022 at 11:00am with Rev. Reuben Schnaidt officiating, Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake Monday 7/25 9:00-11:00am with funeral following at 11:00am.

Byrdia was born on September 19,1937 to Eric and Emma (Westover) Lauckner in Starkweather ND. She graduated from Starkweather High School.  She was voted Snow Queen in the 1955 Frost Frolics representing Starkweather High School. Byrdia also played basketball but said it was nothing like they play today!!  Brydia went to college for nursing in Minot but decided this was not her calling.

She was united in marriage to Caroll Myron Spidahl on June 6, 1956 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. She worked in retail before starting with Ramsey County where she served in many capacities.  She began as a clerk-receptionist with the county in 1960. After working in the Auditor's office for 14 years (3 years as deputy auditor and 2 years as assistant auditor) Byrdia was appointed to serve as auditor of Ramsey County on April 1, 1974.  She finished the retiring Vendor Olson’s elected term and was elected to serve an additional 6 terms, serving Ramsey County for a total of 41 years.  She was selected as a winner of the 1999 Excellence in County Government Award in the Outstanding Elected Official category.  Byrdia retired on Friday, August 31, 2001.

Byrdia enjoyed gardening. ceramics and sewing. Throughout her life she played guitar and sang country songs. In retirement, she enjoyed wintering in Apache Junction AZ with her husband Carroll until his passing where she sang and played guitar in the weekly jam sessions.

Byrdia is survived by her daughter Barbara Meer, Stevens Point, WI; sons Larry (Pam) Spidahl, Devils Lake and Wayne (Shawn) Spidahl, Warren MN; grandchildren Pamela (Julian) Fernandez, Don (Wendi) Possen, Jonathon (Holly) Meer, Frederick Meer, Katharyn Meer, Jenna Meer – Jesse Spidahl – Angela Spidahl and Halle Spidahl; step grandson Aaron (Jenny) Skinner; great grandchildren Dyson, Terran, Tate, Tacee; Gabriella, Michael, Elijah – step grandchildren Allison and Jordyn; sisters Dorothy Jaeger, Vivian Schroeder, Alice (Robert) Schell and Donna Stone; brothers Roger (Linda) Lauckner and Donald Lauckner; many in-laws, nieces and nephews also survive. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Caroll, parents, siblings Sally, Bruce, Richard, her grandson Terry Spidahl and son-in-law Dennis Meer.