Dr. Alonzo Spang was born in 1933 at home in Lame Deer, a child of Wilford and Jennie Spang. He was born on a cold winter day back in December 17, 1933 to Wilford “Wof” Spang and Jenny Limberhand-Spang. He was one of 6 sons.
He excelled in sports, playing six man football, basketball, baseball and track.
Alonzo graduated as Valedictorian from Colstrip High School in 1953. His first teaching position was in Lame Deer in 1956, teaching 5th grade. Alonzo taught elementary, junior high, high school and undergraduate and graduate level courses at the university level. Dr. Spang received his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Montana College in 1960. He attended Arizona State University where he received his Master’s Degree in 1962. While beginning his career in education and raising his young family, he pursued his Doctor of Education Degree, which he received in 1973, also from Arizona State University.
He served as the Director of Cook Christian Training School in 1966, educating students to work in Indian Ministry. He was the first provost and dean of students at Navajo Community College, the first Indian college to be established on an Indian reservation and owned by an American Indian tribe. While at Navajo Community College he was asked to implement an Indian Studies Program at the University of Montana, in 1970 he took on this task also serving as an assistant professor during his time in Missoula.
Dr. Spang was one of the first Native Americans to be employed as Superintendent in the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the Tribe in which he is enrolled. Then Northern Cheyenne Tribal President Allen “Chuggy” Rowland encouraged Dr. Spang to apply for the position as Northern Cheyenne Agency Superintendent. During his first meeting with the Tribe, he spoke in his native language, bringing pride to the Cheyenne speaking members present as they had been discouraged from speaking their language for many years, being told that it wasn’t sophisticated enough to express thoughts as clearly as the English language.
Dr. Spang has served as superintendent of the Wind River, Flathead, Fort Berthold and Rosebud Reservations. In 1996 Dr. Spang returned home to Lame Deer to become the President of Dull Knife Memorial College. He was a very humble man and his vision continues to live on with his students and educators that follow in his path.
Alonzo met his wife in Colorado Springs, CO the summer of 1956. He married Clarice M. Daniels on February 1st 1957 in Poplar, MT. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on February 1 of the coming year.
Alonzo is preceded in death by his parents, Wilford and Jennie Spang; Brothers, Lawrence and Leo; and Great Granddaughter, Tailee Rowland.
Alonzo is survived by his wife, Clarice, Daughter Jeneen, Billings, MT; Sons A. Terry, Jr, Lame Deer, MT; Lyndon (Jennifer) Birney, MT and Kirk Forsyth, MT. Grandchildren: Alona, Tanya (Brandon), Jenny, Darrell, Stephanie, Randall, Molly (Zack), Ryann, Ruth, Aidan and Cameron. Great Grandchildren: Michael, Brandon, James, Riley, Shilo, Kimimila, and Lillian. Brothers: Norman (Clarice), James (Aladine) and Zane (Sandy). And numerous Nieces and Nephews.
Relatives include: Spangs, Walksalongs, Limberhands, Wolfchiefs, Harris, Robinsons, Limpys, Wolfblacks, Kinzels, Whitewolfs, Burns, Fishers, Beartusk, Azures, Daniels, Duprees, BigHorn, Clark, and First. In this time of grief we may have forgotten to mention families and friends but we acknowledge your help, thoughts and prayers.
A traditional wake will be held on Friday December 16, 2016 at 7:00 PM and Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 17, 2016, both will be held at the Boys and Girls Club in Lame Deer. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Helen Bighorn says
Just heard about Al…My thoughts and prayers to the family. May Al Rest In Eternal Peace for Eternity. Strength and much love to you all in the days ahead. XxO
Helen
Grace Larson says
My thoughts and prayers to Alonzo’s family.
Rachel H.Carroll says
Dr.Spang was my teacher one time and he encouraged me to continue my education and become “somebody” Thru his encouragement and example, I too, could become a teacher and even a professor as he was and I did. He always acknowledged me where ever and when ever we crossed paths. To me, he is truly one of the great Northern Cheyenne people I know. Dr. Spang accomplished his role on earth and can meet his relatives and friends speaking Cheyenne at the other camp. Blessings and prayers to Clarice,the children and the rest of the family. Rachel Carroll,Phoenix,Az.
Andrita Harris says
Spang Family
Sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy.
Prayers are with the family
Tamera Sooktis-Mann says
Clarice/Jeneen/family: I want to express my sympathy and let you all know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time….
Georgia Ann Burns says
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers for comfort and strength for all the family!!❤
Charlotte Cooley Redding says
Just heard of Alonzos death today. What a great man he was, so kind and thoughtful to everyone he knew. My prayers are with you all. My son and I met him a few years ago in Lame Deer at the Indian office, I introduced myself to him as his first cousin. He did not know me at all, I knew he was a Spang the minute I saw him. We had a nice visit.
Julie (Pitman) Matt says
My prayers are for the family of Alonzo, his mom and dad were good friends of my parents, George and Annagrace Burns Pitman, I always looked up to Alonzo and what he had accomplished in his life, and he was always so friendly when I would see him.
Bertha Brown says
Condolences to the family of your loss, Dr. Alonzo and may Maheo bless you in your time of grief – Continued Prayers for you all.
From,
Eva Bear Chum & Family
Nan Yellowmule Gallegos says
Sorry for your loss, prayers to the family, Clarice&Janeen. I remember you all from LameDeer..
Nan Yellowmule Gallegos says
Sorry for your loss, prayers to the family, Clarice&Janeen. I remember you all from LameDeer.. Janeen I’m on FB look me up, I would live to hear from you! Nanlgallegos@yahoo.com
Gail Small says
We had many great visits, and some wonderful meetings. What a legacy of education he gave the Cheyenne and many others. Our prayers and condolences to Clarice and the family.
Diane Spotted Elk says
So sorry for your loss. Our community has lost a wonderful man. You all are in my prayers.
Dolores Shoulderblade says
My condolences and prayers to the Spang family, Alanzo was a kind and humble man. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Alan Rolston says
I had a Alonzo as a teacher when I was in 8th grade at Forsyth. It was a troubling time in my life and Alonzo brought me down to earth. Later I would run into him when he was at U of M. He was a good guy who I have always had a lot of respect for. the world is surely worse without him. the force be with you, alonzo.
alan rolston
Robert McAnally says
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Spang’s passing. May the Creator wrap loving arms around all his family and friends during this very difficult time.
arnie bighorn says
Our condolences and prayers to the family, he will be missed by many. arnie, judy bighorn and family.
BIA Division of Drug Enforcement says
Our heartfelt condolences to our law enforcement sister Jeneen and the entire Spang family. We are so sorry for your loss and may the comfort of God help you through this difficult time. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless each of you.
Carol Fleming says
Clarice, Jeneen, and family,
I was sadden to learn of Al’s passing. I have fond memories spending time at your home and talking with Clarice and Al from time to time. He always had a smile for me and asked about my family. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. His contribution through his education is remarkable and will be remembered for years to come. My condolences to you and to the rest of the family,
Dennis Limberhand says
Couldn’t make it. Road conditions and bad weather thoughts and prayers to the family
Georgia Ann Burns says
My prayers and thoughts are with all the family and friends of Alonzo’s!!!
God comfort and give you peace!!
Marcus Wells, Sr. says
So, sorry to hear of Alonzo’s passing. I worked as Comproller for the Three Affiliated Tribes and worked with Mr. Spang on many
occasions, professionally and personally. We worked on many projects for our Tribe(s). Our prayers are with his
family and the Cheyenne Tribe. He loved to throw horseshoes and rodeos and all activities of our Tribe. God Bless
his family.
T. Kelly says
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. My heart goes out to the family. Death is something we will never get use to. In fact, God’s Word refers to death as an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26). It is comforting to know that very soon our loving Heavenly Father, Jehovah, will remove death once and for all and give us the opportunity to see our loved ones again here on the earth.
H Schmid says
Dr. Spang spoke to my freshmen class at Sentinel High School in Missoula many many years ago. His talk had a profound impact on me and on the path I chose to walk in life. I have always deeply appreciated the impact he made and the direction in which he pointed. Mahalo a nui loa e.