Dr. Earl Spangler's Obituary
DR. EARL SPANGLER, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2005 in Waupaca, WI. Earl was born in Flora, Illinois on December 12, 1920. Earl left Illinois to attend college in Oklahoma where he joined the ROTC. He enlisted with the U.S. Army in WW II, seeing his active duty with the European Theater, participating in the Normandy Campaign, earning several decorations, including the Bronze Star. After discharge from active duty he continued to serve in the Army Reserves, retiring in 1969 at a Lt. Col. Earl resumed his education after the war, earning his BA and Teaching degree, and then a Master's and PhD from Oklahoma State University. His teaching career led him to Minnesota and professorships at University of Minnesota, Macalester College where he had additional duties as Dean of Students and Veteran Affairs, and finally to Carthage College as Academic Dean, retiring in 1981. During his life he authored four books, and numerous articles in American History and Political Science. Earl moved to Waupaca in July, 1989 where he maintained an active life in scholarship, researching, lecturing, teaching, public service, publishing, and gardening. He served the public sector as Exec. Director of Winchester Academy from 1993-2002, was involved with the Waupaca Library, the Holly Center, Historical Society, Veteran's Home, was a member of the Wisconsin Speaker's Bureau and Elder Hostel. He never declined an opportunity to teach and until his death held class at the Thompson Community Center in Appleton. Earl married Virginia Chandler in 1942. She preceded him in death on January 17, 2001. He is survived by his three daughters, Helen Weisflog, Susan Kehrer and Shirley Spangler. Also two grandchildren, Jason Kehrer and Amy Weisflog Moon. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 9th at 2:30 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca. Interment will be held at Woodlawn Odd Fellow Cemetery in Illinois. Friends may call on Wednesday, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in the name of Earl Spangler.
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