On October 26, 2020 our beloved father, Joseph Conrad Spang went hone to be with our Lord. Joe Spang was born to Kash “Buster” Spang and Ione Ethel Spang in Lame Deer, Montana March 28, 1940. He was the 3rd child of Buster and Iones 7 beautiful children. Joe grew up on the family ranch at Muddy Creek and attended school at St. Labre in Ashland, Montana and Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana as well as Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas.
Joe had 4 beautiful children Connie Kay, Keri Lynn, Travis Marvin and Trevor Kash. Joe made his home on Muddy Creek and worked as a Teamster for 15 years and was the first Northern Cheyenne to retire from the Colstrip mines.
Joe Con and his family are well known for their beautiful voices and music that will touch our hearts forever. Joe grew up ranching and sharing his love of rodeos and music with his brothers and sisters. No one will forget the champion team ropers that Joe and his dad Buster were. 9 time Crow Fair Champions, the last being in 1982 with his dad. Joe loved his cowboy life and rodeos and was not only a champion team roper, but a calf roper and bull rider in college as well.
Although Joe had much to be proud of, his proudest achievement was perhaps being a grandpa to Brittney, Kurt, Carolyn, Abraham, Brianna, Shawn and Kate as well as a Great Grandpa to Mariah and Jake. The lights of his life were his grandchildren and great grandchildren as we always said they kept him young. He always had a story to tell and could spend hours catching up with everyone. We will debate forever who holds the longest phone call record. A gift from him we will never forget.
Joe Con is preceded in death by his father Buster Spang, Mother Ione Spang, Brothers Donnie and
Marvin Spang, His sister Elizabeth “Betty” Frye, his half brother Kenneth Spang and half sister Joyce Lahn.
Joe is survived by his sister Lucy (Kevin) Stilson, his brothers George “Porge” Spang and Lloyd “Shorty” Spang. His children Connie (William) Hernandez, Keri (Tom) Evelo, Travis Marvin Spang, Trevor Kash Spang. 7 Beautiful Grandchildren, Brittney, Kurt, Carolyn, Abraham, Brianna, Shawn and Kate. 2 Great Grandchildren, Mariah and Jake, and too many nieces and nephews to count
Visitation is Monday November 2, 2020 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, Forsyth with Graveside Services at Muddy Creek, Spang Family Cemetery, November 3, 2020.
A special note to our family and friends. Given our current times we respectfully ask and encourage any visitors, family and friends to follow mask, sanitation and distancing protocols to protect our families and yours especially our remaining elders and our at risk family members. we know that the embracing and closeness is needed at this time but with all that our nation faces we pray for safety and health for us all.
Have a blessed journey our beloved warrior
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday November 2, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday November 3, 2020
Spang Family Cemetery
Muddy Creek, Montana 59043
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Max Small says
By golly Joe you left us..One thing for sure your ride here was a good un..We had a lot of fun rodeoing and gathering cattle together up Muddy Creek..RIP partner..you’re with loved ones now…
Jay & Carla Johnson says
Condolences to the Spang family in the loss of Joe Conn! May he rest in peace and have a safe journey to the other camp!
Aster Berhane, M.D. says
Very sad to to learn. May we see you in the Morning when Jesus comes. Rest for now. Condolences to family God be with you.. You were one great person and precious patient of mine.
Kayla Higgins says
Travis, Carol, Mariah, Jake & Kash my dearest condolences to you all of you during this very rough and heart breaking time with the loss of your dad, grandpa and great grandpa. I’ll be thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers. Keep those memories that you have with him close to your heart. Share stories about him with your friends and other loved ones. Let the world know what just how awesome he was to you and how important he was in your life. Often speak his name even during the roughest times and through the tears. Even though it’s hard try to smile through the tears as you have all had the privilege to make memories and share a special bond and love with Joe. Remember those good memories you had with him during the rough days. Don’t forget to lean on each other during this time and also lean on others. Losing someone you love so much is so hard. May he Rest In Peace. Again, I’m keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Andrita Harris says
Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to the Spang Family. We had good times on Muddy Creek, with Ropings at the homestead with your dad and mom. Your with your parents in Heaven. will always miss our talks about horses and cows and Rodeos. still keep in contact with Travis.
RIP COWBOY
another Cowboy from Muddy Creek is gone. Travis always will be here for you.
Flint Fleming says
Thoughts and prayers to the Spang family, Rest in peace Joe,
Punky Mann says
Thoughts and prayers for Joes family
June Persons says
Travel well friend, you were a good’un… Ride free.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending condolences and prayers to all of Joe’s family.
Dee Macdonald says
My condolences to our Spang family.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF JOSEPH CONRAD SPANG, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Julietta A Matt says
Keeping all of the Spang family in my prayers!!! Julie (Pitman) Matt
Melinda Tangen says
Kash, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Les Denny says
Sending condolences to you all.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Carol we are so sorry for your Loss. Joe was a good friend of ours. Rest in Peace Joe.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Carolyn Spang says
My daddypa, my best friend, my entire world for 23 years strong. You stepped up to take care of me when I didn’t have much, you gave up retirement, traveling and the rest of your life for me. You spent years teaching me how to do this on my own but I’m not sure I ever will. I still year you picking at me while I make coffee, when I’m singing to loud, or just doing laundry. Our talks every night have not slowed, Mariah still knows she’s a drowned rat, Jake still fights over your hats. You’re name will always be included and I will leave you’re niknacks as you wanted them. I know I didn’t need to say anything here but reading how much you ment to people help my days of missing you go by alittle easier. I’ll never be able to thank you for instilling everything you have in me and you and you’re stories will continue to live on there the kids and me… I sure do love you old man even if I didn’t get my five more years you promised I know you’ll be here until I make it and probably long after for how much joy you got from bickering with me and I’m sure I still won’t listen even now, must be a spang thing! Miss you daddypa I’ll talk at you soon later days 🖤
Jennifer Magpie says
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, he was one of the best. He was a good friend and a great cowboy!
Brook & Dustin Churches says
We remember when his face lit up about that truck he bought from us. I remember seeing him driving around in that truck. He really loved that thing!
Rest easy, and keep watching over Carol and her babies! 💙
Marsha Small says
When I was about six years old, he asked me to be his partner in the ribbon roping at Stacey. They finally talked me into it. Dad says take off your boots, you can run faster. So I did. I had the most whitest socks on. I don’t know if I ran faster or not. I only had short little legs. Anyway, when he got the calf down I grabbed the ribbon and ran, just kicking up the dust! He sure made my world then. Who does that? Ask a tiny girl to be his partner? Joe Con did. I think we got third. Not sure. Good ole days. Thank you Joe Con. I still appreciate what you did for me that day.
Gracie Ann Waples Hill says
Prayers and blessings to Joe Conn and his family. You have left quite a legacy. Keep watch over your loved ones.
Jim Gregg says
R I P Joe Con goodtimes will be remembered by us all See you down the trail
Jim, Rita, Kyle Alderman and Family says
Our sincere condolences and shared loss. I can’t say I met a finer man or horseman, and few can match his easy going demeanor. We feel it was an honor to meet and converse with Joe Con through the last fifty years, how fast they go, and it is so important to exchange stories, our love and prayers to all the family
kitte Coffin says
To my Spang family: I’m so sorry to hear about Joe Con’s passing. My heart is in my throat as I reminisce. I’ll be praying for y’all. – kitte
And to you Carolyn: I still love you my girl. I’m still praying for you and will continue to do so. – auntie kitte
Diane O'Dwyer says
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Spang family . Cherish the memories and continue to make him proud in all that you do.
A virtual hug to all and stay safe!!!
ROBERTA H ROTH says
So sorry to hear about the passing of Joe Con, a guitar picking cowboy part of the Spang boys that made great western dance music. The good times will not be forgotten. May he find the good old cowboys who went on ahead.
Cindy Stanton says
Travis and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there.
Hugs, Cindy
Ernest Robinson says
Have a Blessed journey over to the Other side Joe–will see you soon enough. You were a good teacher and story teller of the “good ole Days”,will remember all those evenings at the “Arena” and the sessions on the porch listening to all of you Jammin.
Brandi Stetson says
Travis as well All the Spang clan. Travis we have know each other so Ming we aren’t friends, we are family. The only thing that got me through my dads service was you holding me upright and walking me through the night. Without you I would have crumbled right there. I’m so sorry I didn’t know but I hope you know I’m here and if you need me call, sure love you sweetie and I would give anything for another person to not feel the grief of losing a parent. We learned from our fathers protected loved and sometimes they are all you have . I will not say it gets easier. This morning hit me my dad isn’t coming back. You learn how to live with the pain. I hope your family will rally together and give you strength. The best part of me died with my dad. And I had nobody to turn to as blood family goes. I don’t wish that on anyone. You have my number Travis. I love you and my sincere apologies to the entire Spang family for the loss you are suffering.