Our beloved cowboy took his last ride on October 25, 2021, at his home at Muddy Creek, Mt. Nathan Ve’kesehenahkohe (Bird Bear) Spang was born on July 4, 1966, in Crow Agency, Mt to James and Aladine Spang. Nathan comes from a Chiefs’ heritage -Chief Spotted Wolf which was a great honor to him.
He was proud of all his children Skyler, Taylor, Kammie, Miranda, Chelsey, Kylan, Kash Spang and all his grandchildren: Taneya, Katawna, Liyanna, Baby Kasey, Willie Pete, Marcel.
Nathan would always have a horse saddled up for his kids and grandchildren. And a rope in his hand showing them how to rope. He spent lots of time with them, walking at the Spang ranch, making things with them, cooking with them and doing the Grandpa thing which he loved. His grandkids were the apple of his eye along with his children. Nathan was an avid fan when his children participated in sports always making sure he never missed a game. You could hear him hollering and coaching from the audience & could be heard. There were times when he would coach them and was proud of that.
Nathan attended grade school at Lame Deer Public school then went on to high school at Colstrip and St. Labre. He received his GED, attended Dull Knife College majoring in Law Enforcement.
Roping was Nathan life, always carrying a rope. He attended all the youth & High School rodeos. When he was 14 yrs old he qualified for the INFR, which he was the youngest at that time. He was always proud of that. His adult hood he participated in every rodeo that he could attend, local and followed the rodeo circuit.
Growing up he spent a lot of family time going out with the grandparents, picking berries, hunting, spending lot of time outdoors. He sure cherished his mother and loved being her big baby.
In his younger years he worked as a hired hand for Ralph Small and Jerry Small and various ranchers would hire him to help them brand calves at the round ups & ranch work. He had the opportunity to work with the old timers and learned a lot from them.
Nathan was a carpenter and jack of all trade. He learned from his dad to be a carpenter at a young age, working alongside him. Nathan held many jobs, NC. Housing, NC Tribal schools, Becker Construction, Hurff Construction, Ashland Sawmill, Roofing in Billings, and Roofing in Panama City FL., and he was currently employed with the Northern Cheyenne Road Security which he was very proud of serving his people during the pandemic. He continued to make it to work even after the loss of his daughter Kammie. Work ethics was instilled in him by his dad who worked for the Tribe for over 30 years.
If you knew Nathan, he loved to tease and joke around with people & make people laugh. He loved to hunt and shot an elk from his front porch this summer & was proud of it sharing it with whoever he could. He was blessing everyone that’s how proud he was. Nathan was always visiting his buddies you would see him teasing the heck out of them & sharing stories back and forth. You knew they were either in trouble or just enjoying themselves. He had a joke for everyone and always giving nicknames to someone.
Nathan was so proud when his first-born son Skyler was born doing everything with him just like his dad did with him. Teaching him all the trades he knew and making sure he taught him the life of a cowboy, roping, riding & especially teaching him basketball skills.
He was anticipating his youngest daughter Chelsey’s senior year and excited to watch her play basketball for the Morning Stars this year. Just recently talking about it.
Preceded him in death: his dad James, daughter Kammie (Sosa), Sister Kammy Sue, Niece Leticia Betancourt, grandparents; Wolf and Jennie Spang, Chief Patrick and Jean Spottedwolf, Uncles, Leo, Lawrence Spang, Bisco, Clifford & Jimmy Spotted Wolf. Aunties: Mollie Small, Ruby Flying, Josephine Cooper, Eldora Bement, Maxine Spang
Survivors include his mother Aladine, Sisters: Rita(Cedric) Denise(Manual) Ilene(Joe) Chris Spang and Gail Longjaw. Brothers: Jeremy and Jon Jon Foote, Aunties; Susie Cain, Clarice Spang. His Uncles: Norman Spang(Clarice) and Zane Spang(Sandy), Nieces and Nephews: Julian(Paulee) and family, Riston(Sara) and family, Shience, Jose Bentcourt, Cierra(Truston)and family, Abby(Levi)and family, Kaylisha, Kobi, McKenzie Bear Robe, His Muddy Creek brothers and all his Roping buddies. Nathan had lots of friends we wish we could all write your names down.
Extended family include Spotted Wolf, Spang, Walksalong, Limberhand, Limpy, Seminole, Tallwhiteman, Flying, Cooper, Bement, Small, Hurff, Shoulderblade, Elkshoulder, Realbird, Moccasin, Birdinground, Harris and One Bear. We have a large family sorry if we missed your name.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Joleen Spang says
Nathan I am so shocked you are gone. Prayers to Aladene, and whole family.
Bonnie Bigback says
Our condolences to all in Nathan’s family and friends. This has taken us all in shock.
rick wolfname says
“Dang it!” Prayers and cedar smoke to the family tonight. Let me know what else you may need. One of my best of friends and ‘adopted’ nephew. Rick
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF NATHAN SPANG, THE NORTHERN CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Robyn Spang says
May you journey well Nathan, I’ll miss your smile and humor cuz, prayers and condolences to your loved ones!
Shawn b says
My condolences to the family, Journey well buddy! Had a chance to play some good basketball with him at Labre, 1984 Conference Champs .
Stephanie SpottedWolf says
Prayers for Grandma Aladine & Spang family.
George Birtic says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Nathan. He was a good person and I never will forget him as 1 of my students. RIP Nathan.
Germaine spotted Wolf says
Rest in peace my cousin. My prayers are with u and the family. 🐺- Germaine spottedWolf & Boys.
Ann Knows His Gun says
Deepest Condolences & Prayers to your family Nathan. Was good working with you a few years ago for that Florida job. RIP
Jolene Walkslast says
Sincere condolences to the family of Nathan I got acquainted with him while working at the NCTS he was a good natured, very helpful and good to visit with. He will be missed.
Carrie Littlebird says
My Condolences to Spang Family
Event Spotted Wolf says
Your gone too soon cousin, I will miss your crazy self. Condolences to your children, Auntie Aladine and family. RIP Cousin😭
Lorrainee Waters says
Condolences to Aladine and family. Nathan was a good man.
Dennis and Bonnie Beardontwalk says
Sorry for your loss. Condolences to his family, kids and grandkids.
Mary Dillon says
My sincere sympathy. Your family is remembered in my prayers Mary Dillon
Steve Small says
Rest In Peace Cowboy. I’m at a loss for words…
James D Jr & Ann King & family says
Condolences to Nathan’s family. May his memory live in your hearts forever…
George hodges says
Buy my friend condolence to the family
M Speelman says
RIP to my classmate,and Friend. Prayers and Condolences to the Family.
Emmawhiteman says
Rip…Nathan, journey well and tell everyone hi for me! My Condolences and prayers for your family and friends.
Cindra Standing Elk says
May you rest in peace our friend… prayers and condolences to your family 🙏❤️ from Seidel and Cindra Standing Elk
Geri Small says
Fly high Cowboy, Prayers for your Momma Aladene and Family🙏
Shane small says
My condolences go out to the family, New him since we were lil kids. Had a lil visit with him the day before he left this world…I always reminded him that I named my son after him…RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNRISE COWBOY…
Zane and Sandy Spang says
Zane and i have good memories of nathan from when he was a baby to adulthood. When he worked at Busby School we had some good talks and i know he respected and loved his Elders. my heart is with my Sister Aladine. life gets difficult when your children go ahead of you. We love you all .
Anna and Eugene Fisher says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you journey well to the other side
christine Freeman says
Man going to miss you at security most at Muddy Crenshaw journey well.
Pamela J Spang says
So shocked to hear of his passing. Found out the time of the funeral to late to go. Our prayers are with all of you.
Shanny Spang Gion & Family says
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Nathan’s passing. I am sorry I cannot be there today. Sending our prayers and condolences to Aladine and family.