Article: James Speiker, a decorated vet and `Mr. Prior Lake'; The former Army Reserves officer "lived for the town" of Prior Lake and was devoted to veterans.(NEWS)(Obituary)

Byline: BEN COHEN; STAFF WRITER

James Speiker was a decorated Vietnam veteran, Army Reserves officer and business owner who promoted his hometown of Prior Lake every chance he got.

Speiker, who supported programs for children and schools as a founding member of the local Optimist Club, died of a heart attack in Prior Lake on Dec. 14. He was 62.

His daughter Sara of Prior Lake said it seemed that he knew everyone in town.

"He loved this place, and it was contagious," she said.

After graduating from Prior Lake High School in 1964, he earned a bachelor's degree in history from St. Cloud State University while also attending St. ...

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