Carol G. Spangenberg

Spangenberg, Carol Gode

On February 1, 2006, Carol Gode Spangenberg passed from her earthly existence to her eternal home. Born Carol Hurford Gode on October 28, 1932, in Evanston, IL, she grew up in Glencoe, IL and attended Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, where she met her husband, Ivan “Ike” Spangenberg, and graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in 1954.
Carol and Ivan wed in December 1954 and spent most of their married life in Appleton. Their marriage was a loving union that lasted more than 51 years and was blessed with three wonderful children.
Carol was preceded in death by her daughter, Ruth, in 1988. She is survived by her husband, Ivan “Ike” Spangenberg, Appleton; a son, John Spangenberg, Appleton; and son Carl Spangenberg, daughter-in-law, Lisa Spangenberg, and granddaughter, (and apple of her eye) Holly Lyn Spangenberg, all of Brown Deer, WI. She is also survived by a sister, Patsy ((Fred, Sr.) Bell, Glenview, IL; a brother, Bill (Jan) Gode, Glenview, IL; “favorite uncle” Roland (Shirley) Calhoun, Northbrook, IL; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Carol taught briefly at Brillion High School (1954 – 1955) in Wisconsin before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker. An excellent vocalist, she was called upon numerous times to solo at church services, weddings and other events. Her Christian faith was an active one of loving, joyful service. She was a member of Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton, serving as deacon the past three years. She was also dedicated to helping family, friends and organizations, including P.E.O. Chapter DY (Past President), Sigma Alpha Iota Alumni, DAR and Delta Gamma Alumni. She was also a charter member of the Fox Valley Symphony League in which she served in numerous capacities.
Carol was a kind, gentle soul, possessing a quiet strength and the ability to lead from the sidelines. Her family always came first, but she was also the quintessential volunteer, spending much of her time helping others, including transporting elderly friends to their destinations. The kitchen calendar was always her family documentary and it will never be the same.
A memorial service for Carol will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, February 4, 2006, at MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 803 East College Avenue, with Reverend Charles Valenti-Hein and Reverend Steven R. Blackstock officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends and relatives will be received at the church from 2:00 pm, Saturday, until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the American Cancer Society.

Many thanks to the professional and volunteer staff of both AMC and Cherry Meadows Hospice. Their expert and loving care made Carol’s Illness much more bearable.

To Carol, our most beloved Mother, Wife and Best Friend: We’ll miss you more than life itself. But we know where you are now is a deserving reward for an exemplary life led here in this earthly plane. We bid you the simple beautiful German phrase for saying goodbye: “Auf Wiedersehen”- -“Until we meet again.”

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!)

Text by Mary Frye (1932)

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com