Arnold James “Gus” Spang, age 57 of Lame Deer. Born in Crow Agency, MT on 11/18/1963 to Jule & Elaine Spang Sr. was called home 8/10/21 at home with his son by his side. Gus received his Indian name “Voaxaa’e “Eagle” from Don Shoulderblade.
Gus met the love of his life Lori Sorensen in 1989, they married October 1, 1991 and they had one son Justin Robert.
Gus grew up on the family ranch on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, his first love was being a cowboy, riding horse back everyday with his 8 siblings, working in the fields stacking hay feeding livestock and participating in Rodeos as a team roper. While in high school Gus and his brother Jule Jr. qualified for the National Highschool Rodeo finals in team roping.
He graduated from St Labre in 1982. He then started working for forestry thinning and slash piling, and as a seasonal firefighter. In the early 90’s he began working at the mines in Colstrip retiring in 2017 due to ill health.
He enjoyed cruising around and stopping by to visit with family and friends, often ending up in Ashland at Robert Bement’s, the last few months of his life he spent a lot of time just sitting and watching TV with dad, and visiting or hanging with his sisters Monks and Chops.
Gus was preceded in death by his Mom, his brother Wilbur, his paternal grandparents Alfonso & Mary Spang, Maternal grandparents James & Irene Salois, father-in-law Robert Sorensen, and brother-in-law Rick Sunken.
He’s survived by his wife Lori, son Justin (Shelby), grandchildren Bailee, Lyla Spang, Braxtyn & Blayke, his dad Jule Sr, brothers: Ronald, Jule Jr. (Joletta), Larry “Charlie Brown” (Rachel), Jerry “Sharkey McNeely, Henry Speelman, Michael Speelman, Merlin Sioux. Sisters: Ernestine, Leslie, Mary, Crystal (Richard), & Aleda Spang. Mother-In-law Carla Sorensen, Sister in laws: Carma, Becky (Pete), Kristi (Michael), Connie, Tina, Vivian, & Clementine. Brother-in-law Jeff Sorensen. Goddaughters Suntaya, & Alyssa, & special nieces and nephews whom he loved to torcher, Chandra, Jake, Jeff, Aiden, & Caydence, and several other nieces and nephews that he loved.
Extended family includes: Callsfirst, Seminole, Bement, Spottedwolf, Fisher, Roundstone, Denny, Salois, Racine, & Schildts.
The family would like to thank DCI, Dr. Gantz, Northern Cheyenne Ambulance Service, Debbie Bends, Amber Means, Alexis Gadwah, & Brooke Whitewolf for the care you all provided to Gus.
George and Georgia Bement says
Lori and Justin , so sorry to hear of Gus passing , prayers and hugs coming your way , he’ll be missed by all
Calvin and Roxie Wilson says
So sorry for your loss. Gus was a great guy and always greet us with a smile.
IUOE Local 400, Board, Members and Staff says
We extend our most sincere condolences to the family of Arnold. Prayers for comfort and strength during this most sad, sorrowful and mournful time for the lost of your loved one
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF ARNOLD SPANG AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Ada Shane says
I’m so sorry Lori, Justin & his Spang family! My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
SHELLY HOLUM says
sending prayers to all of the family
Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
Lori & Justin; I’m so sorry for your loss of Gus. I send my Deepest Condolences & Prayers to you & the entire family. I know it’s not easy but he’s not hurting no more. Hugs Lori
Roberta Bement says
Condolences to all of Gus’ s family…many memories of him coming to visit my dad…much laughter!!! Rest in Paradise GUS SPANG.
JUDY ROSS says
So sorry for your loss, sending hugs and prayer.
Sister LeAnn Probst says
My prayers and sympathy, Lori and Justin. May you know God’s comforting love.
Dwaine & Cathy Morris says
So sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We had the honor of working with Gus years ago at Peabody Coal Company.
Randy and Cora Stennerson says
Lori, Justin and family our hearts are broken Gus was such a great man to know. Thoughts and prayers sent your way.
Beverly Stiller & Family says
Our sincerest condolences Lori & Justin, wear are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers during this difficult time.
Dennis and Bonnie Bear Don't Walk says
Condolences to his family.
Steve small says
So sorry for your loss Lori, condolences to your family.
Dennis D Bauer says
God’s peace to you Lori and to your son, Justin. You are in our prayers. The peace of Christ to you.
Carrie Littlebird says
My Condolences Spang Family
Cindra and Seidel Standing Elk says
Condolences and prayers to Lori and Justin and the spang family 🙏🙏🕊️🙏🙏
Art/Rita McDonald says
So sorry for your loss Lori, Justin and the Spang family. We send our love and prayers to all of Gus’s family for strength during this difficult time.
Carrie Braine says
My deepest condolences to all those who loved and will miss Gus. Prayers for all the family, especially Lori and Justin.
Ruth Costilla & Family says
So sorry for your loss, Lori. May MA’HEO be with your family in this sad time of losing a loved one. Prayers n hugs 💔🙏
Dave Gunderson says
Rest In Peace Gus I have lots of memories of our working together.
Bertie Brown says
My classmate from Lame Deer Chiefs back in the day Class of ’78. He was a respectable guy. My condolences to Lori and his Son. Rest of the families. Keeping you all in prayers.
Selma Spotted Wolf Swank says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Spang family. Gus was a classmate in high school and my memories of riding the long bus ride to Lame Deer after practice are my most memories. I can hear his laugh and see his smile. Travel well Gus and peacefully rest until we meet again.
Andrita Harris says
Lori & Justin and Spang Family sorry for your loss. Gus will be missed. Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to the Family. RIP Cowboy tell we meet again Cuz.