Wilbur Spang, age 58 passed away on January 21, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. God gives a person choices, free will and life. Wilbur’s choices were made as the good Lord intended. Growing up with horses, cows and rodeos with all his little best friends by his side, riding bulls by the time he was 10 years old.
The good Lord said and the two shall become one, he married Lu Mary Hogan on November 25, 1979 in the Catholic Church. Together they had 10 children, 5 sons, and 5 daughters; Waylon (Toni) the oldest, Ashley (Mike); Charmaine, Suntaya, Wilbur Jr. (Lara), Wolfgang, and Isabella.
While in high school he excelled in wrestling, and football.
One of his most heartbreaking experiences was losing his best friend and cousin Jeff Robinson in a car accident on January 21, 1979. Thirty nine years later to the day God called Wilbur home too.
He did his best to be a good father, grandfather, and godfather;
Waylon – partner in competitiveness
Ashley- partner riding horses and chasing cows
Charmaine (snuffee) – partner in cooking and tasting different foods
Suntaya (Tay Tay) – partner in handiman work
Wilbur Jr. (Lil’ Guy) – partner in hunting and roping
Wolfgang – fishing partner and care taker
Isabella – All around (grounded him in Prayer)
God created all things filled with wonder and beauty, Wilbur loved to go and visit up to Glacier Park where his large family the Salois’s and Racine’s hail from; fishing, hunting, tracking bears, camping, and plenty of family gatherings. Teasing, laughing, and telling stories of all their old and new experiences together was such a highlight he encouraged all he knew to go and visit the mountains that touched the Heavens!
One of the Ten Commandments is to Honor Your Father and Mother. Wilbur was the oldest child of Jule Sr. and Elaine Spang. Being very skilled with his hands he made almost all the tack at the barn for use on the family ranch (making all his nephews and nieces reins and head stalls). His mother was always well thought of on every occasion. He would make her something out of wood to hang on her walls or a piece of furniture to be well utilized in the home; always referring to them lovingly as “the Oldman and the Old lady”.
To all who forgot what God said, remember to be your brothers keeper. Always keeping this in mind, Wilbur took this responsibility to heart always reminiscing of growing up with the younger eight siblings Ronald (Colleen), Ernestine, Jule Jr. (Joletta), Arnold, (Lori). Leslie, Mary. Larry (Rachel), and Crystal smith (Richard). All grew up riding horses together, after his illness took over on his body he could no longer ride, he would say I’ll never let those times leave me when we all rode together. “Horses are one of the best things God created”
God said remember to say “I am blessed by God to be able to work” Wilbur believed a mans duty is to financially support your family, with this he dedicated 36 years of his life to the Lame Deer Public Schools, which were such an enjoyment to him, at times he would say “You cant beat having a job with the people you consider family”. Towards the end of Wilbur’s life he was well dedicated to Prayer. Consecrating his family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary being able to say the daily Rosary, Angelus, and the 3 O’ clock mercy hour became a daily routine for Wilbur.
Also he felt very honored to be a Northern Cheyenne man. He was a Piercer and a Faster. His trips to Bear Butte were very scared to him. He participated in the Fort Robinson Run annually for 11 years. His nephew Wacey took Wilbur’s place as a driver when he could no longer participate in this spiritual event.
Wilbur was honored to be adopted by, Laforce, Juanita Lonebear, Phillip Sr., Florence Whiteman, Irvin and Nellie Speelmen’s families.
His adopted children: Jake Spang, Lindy Hogan, Vincent Hannawikki, Cody (Taylor) Real Bird, and Misty Russette
his God children; Lindy Hogan, Tray Kinnard, Ray Shoulderblade, Tracy Spang, Jamie Spang, Sharley Spang, and Terry Spang Jr.
The ones that left before him and greeting him now, are his mother, Elaine Spang; maternal and paternal grandparents, James and Irene Salois, Alphonso and Mary Spang; brother, Ricky; his children, Leslie James, Joseph Pio, and Charmaine Vern.
A-Ho, Ma’he’O for all my family and friends!
Service Schedule
Rosary Service
7:00 PM
Thursday January 25, 2018
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Mass
10:00 AM
Friday January 26, 2018
Allan Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday January 26, 2018
Spang Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Rosary Service
7:00 PM
Thursday January 25, 2018
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Mass
10:00 AM
Friday January 26, 2018
Allan Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday January 26, 2018
Spang Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Marilyn Mader says
Jewel, LuMary and families, I’m so sorry to hear of Wilber’s passing. May the Lord grant you special comfort as you go through the days ahead.
Debora Bailey says
I am truly sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the Spang family will find some comfort and strength in Jesus promise of the earthly resurrection (John 5:28, 29) and the renewed Paradise earth, where death is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26) that will very soon be eliminated forever, and no family will mourn the death of a loved one (Revelation 21:4). This promise has been given by Almighty God Jehovah (Psalms 83:18). Truly, what a glorious and almost unbelievable day that will be! It’s a reality though for God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). For more comforting and encouraging scriptures on the resurrection, please visit jw.org.
andrita Harris says
Jule, Leslie, Ashley, and Family. My condolences to you all. My Deepest sympathy to your Family.
Janice Good Luck says
I am in such shock. So sorry my dear friend LuMary. My prayers are with you and the children, as well as the rest of the Spang Family. May God hold you all close with comfort and strength at this time. Hoping I make it over to see you all.
Ruth Costilla & Family says
LuMary and family, may God be with you all in this very sad time of your lives. Losing a special person is the hardest thing to endure but know that he is in a better place, no more pain. You and your family are in our prayers.
Mary Leedom says
So much love and prayers to the Spang family. May God Bless you all.
Allen Clubfoot Jr. says
Condolences to LuMary and her children.
Anne Lane says
My deepest and most sincere condolences to the Wilbur Spang family. He was a good man. God Bless you LuMary and your children and grands. Know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. …Anne Leedom, Lane
George Birtic says
I am shocked about the loss of Wilbur. He was the head of maintenance at Lame Deer School for a ling time. Wilbur was a very good person, parent and community member. Please accept my sympathy and condolences in the loss of Wilbur. He will be missed. LuMary and children I am very sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories.
Karl Hossner says
LuAnn and family, so sorry to hear about the passing of Wilbur. Worked and joked and laughed with him for 20 years. He was such a down to earth guy and even after I retired always tried to see him when I went to Lame Deer. Will miss his smile and humor.
Roberta Bement and Family says
LuMary and family…my prayers are with you, the angels in Heaven welcomed another angel home…he will be with you in spirit always. Much love and condolences from my family to yours…May the Heavenly Father watch over each and every one of you.
JAMES E PEPPERS & RAE PEPPERS says
Hugs to LuMary and your family, may God’s strength get you through this hard time. He will be missed so much, that crazy laugh and joking no matter what.
Rachel LaRance says
My prayers with you all, Boola and all the Spang family. I know the feeling of losing a brother but with strong faith in the Lord it will pass and give you joy that he is in a better place with no more pain.
Calvin and Roxie Wilson says
So sorry for your loss LuMary and family. Wilbur was a person who made you happy after visiting with him. Everytime we saw the two of you in Billings we would have so much fun catching up and remembering the good old days and sharing our new adventures. Cal and our family will pray for you and your family. May you find some comfort in your memories and remember how much he loved you all. God bless you.
Pam Kania says
Be assured of my prayers and my support, LuMary, family and friends! May God’s love surround all of you.
Pam Kania
Betty Gion says
Wilbur is deeply missed by the Morning Stars-our hearts are with yours – Scott, Betty and the Gion Family
Georgia Ann Burns says
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers to all of Wilbur’s family: LuMary, her children and grandchildren. For his siblings Dad and other family members.
May you all be comforted and have strength!
Monica & Dominic Norse says
LuMary & children and Jule and the Spangs, we are very saddened to hear of Wilbur’s passing. He became a very good friend of Dominic’s through his employment at the School. We will never forget the influence he had in our lives. We are sending our most sincere condolences and prayers to your family.
George Birtic says
I had Wilbur as a student the first year I taught in Lame Deer. Wilbur was always a cheerful, happy and very respectful person to be around. I worked a long time with his mother and father. Wilbur was a very important person in the operation of Lame Deer School. He will be misses. Wilbur was a great role model for young Cheyenne. RIP Wilbur. Heaven gained another Angel.
Dennis and Bonnie Beardontwalk says
Lu Mary and Family,
God Bless You as you grieve for your Wilbur.
MLB says
I do not know the deceased, nor his family. But I want to comment that this is the most beautiful, inspirational obituary I have ever seen. It speaks volumes about Wilbur Spang, his family, and their great Faith in God. This beautiful tribute touched me to the point of tears. Rest in Peace, Wilbur Spang. Prayers for the repose of your dear soul, and for those loved ones you have left behind……for now.