Edith “Edie” “Sparky” Spangler, 81, of Rice Lake, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2019 with loved ones by her side.  

Born in Grantsburg and raised in Long Lake, Edie was a beloved wife, mother and friend to many. Her nickname “Sparky” fit her perfectly, given her good humored, warm and slightly mischievous nature. She had a dauntless work ethic, having worked at Knudson Agency for 50+ years and built-up, repaired every inch of lake shore with railroad ties and hardscrabble rock at the Spangler home on Rice Lake.  Edie was enormously giving of her time and drove thousands of miles toting her children and their teammates for youth sports. Last but not least, she was incredibly adventurous and joined Wayne sailing in waters near and far as “Queen of our Fleet.”

Edie is survived by husband, Wayne Spangler; children, Kathryn (Dave) Groth of La Crosse, Ann (Jeff) Stoeklen of Rice Lake and Jonathan (Trish) Spangler of San Diego; grandchildren, Preston Frise (La Crosse), Caitlin Benbo (Laurel, MD), Jacob Nelson (La Crosse) and Remington Spangler (San Diego); stepsons, Grant Spangler of Los Angeles and Brad (Leslie) Spangler of Seattle; grandchildren, Jessie Spangler and Eric Spangler and great-grand-child, Edan Spangler, all of Seattle.  Edie joins her sister Katie Bergren, who died in January 2019, as the last of 17 children of Andrew and Claire Bergren of Long Lake.

A joint memorial service will be held for Edie and Katie at Long Lake Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 4, 2019.  Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm, service at 2:00 p.m. and fellowship at 3:00 p.m.

Last Update: Apr 08, 2019 5:57 am CDT