Alan Spanjer

Alan "Al" Spanjer, 84, of Jamestown, ND, passed away early Friday, August 7, 2015, morning at his home.
Alan Dean Spanjer was born January 31, 1931, in Walker, MN, the son of Dick and Thelma (Vangen) Spanjer. He grew up in Inguidona Township in Cass County, MN. He graduated from Grand Rapids High School and enlisted in the US Marines during the Korean Conflict, receiving a medical discharge. While in the Marines, he and a buddy were at a bar in Del Mar, CA, and later learned their free drinks were a thank-you for their service from John Wayne.
Al married Norma Tjepkema at Sacred Heart, MN, on June 7, 1952. They moved to St. Paul, where Al received his bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, St. Paul. While working for O & M Elevator, he acquired the nickname "Slim." Al, Norma, and their growing family lived in Bowman, Mandan, Carrington, and Wahpeton, ND, and Gregory, SD. In Carrington, he also operated the Production Credit Association office. He then became a representative for Modern Woodmen of America and moved to Bordulac, ND, and to Jamestown in 1969, which remained his home. Norma died January 25, 2003, after 50 years of marriage. Al married Katherine (Kate) Wojcik August 19, 2004, becoming stepfather to Kate's adult children and stepgrandfather to her grandchildren.
Al was an active member in various churches, bowling leagues, card clubs and other activities such as Toastmasters and Jaycees of the communities he resided. He regularly organized spaghetti dinner fundraisers in Jamestown. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Jamestown, and the V.F.W. Al enjoyed gardening, collecting antiques, hunting, fishing, and especially visiting with family and friends.
Al is survived by his wife, Kate, Jamestown; sons Larry (Denise), Bismarck; Mike (Marie), Phillips, WI; and Scott (Pam McGee), Fargo, daughters, Kathy Spanjer (Duane Lillehaug), Fargo; and Michelle Spanjer, Jamestown; and grandchildren Kevin Lillehaug, Arnie Spanjer, Isaac Spanjer, and Erika Spanjer. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Norma.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Jamestown, with a luncheon to follow.
Prayer Service: 7 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2015, at Williams-Lisko Funeral Chapel, Jamestown.
Interment: 1 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown.

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