Thomas Dean Spangler

Thomas Dean Spangler passed away on March 25, 2021 at home with family as was his wish.

Tom was born August 20, 1949 to Isadore (Bill) and Pauline Spangler in Bemidji. He lived most of his life in the Turtle River-Tenstrike area, graduating from Bemidji High School. He married Cheryl Spencer in September of 1968 and shortly thereafter was drafted into the US Army and spent a year in Vietnam as a member of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles. 

Upon his return he resided in Turtle River 1980 when he moved to Tenstrike with his wife and two children, daughter Marci, born 1969 and son Thomas, born 1973.

Tom enjoyed driving the back roads with his wife and particularly loved our Minnesota falls and bird hunting. He loved impromptu road trips often taken with his “spin the bottle” method to decide which direction to embark on .He moved to Bemidji in 2005 where he worked for the city of Bemidji in street maintenance. Tom was passionate about his lawn, keeping a pristine yard and competing with his neighbors to achieve the best results. He was always happy to help neighbors with lawncare and often used his snow blower to clear their driveways in the winter months.

Tom loved “hobnobbing” with his friends and could at times be very affectionate with them and so, per his request, in lieu of any memorial service, he asks that you simply remember him by getting together and telling stories and drink a toast to him.

Tom is survived by his wife Cheryl, daughter Marci (Dan) Skersck, son Thomas (Kristine) Spangler, three granddaughters, Kylie Skersick, Brynne and Molly Spangler, a brother Robert (Anita), sister Diane (Jerry) Soukala, brother Jery, and numerous neices and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Pat Carlson, and sister JoAnn (Richard) LaLonde.