Services
Obituary
David Spangler, 65, of Kanawha, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his home in Kanawha.
Funeral services for David Spangler will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Kanawha Lutheran Church, 125 West Fourth Street, in Kanawha.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM with a wake starting at 5:30 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 118 East Second Street, Kanawha. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
David Paul Spangler, the son of Paul and Patricia (Pierce) Spangler, was born on September 17, 1960, in Britt, Iowa. He grew up in Britt, in a Catholic family, the only son and the middle child in a lively household of four sisters. Both of his grandmothers were so important to him in his youth. His love of life was nurtured by the good friends and neighbors of this close-knit community. He enjoyed being an Altar Boy at Church, camping with the Boy Scouts, having a paper route, and just being “on the go” in those years of free-range-parenting. His teenage years kept him going with friends, cars, work, and so on. Sleep was low priority. Throughout his life, he loved to share stories of his youth. He graduated from Britt High School with the Class of 1980.
After high school, David worked a variety of jobs before beginning his long career with the City of Kanawha, where he served as Superintendent of Public Works for more than 25 years. He always had a “can-do” attitude. He would just figure out whatever needed done. He learned many valuable skills and provided exceptional service to employers, Iowa Mold Tooling in Garner (Mechanic) and Wright Medical Center in Clarion (Maintenance Supervisor) prior to moving into his position with the City. He could be counted on to do any job above and beyond, and he tended to advance to higher positions quickly. He always found plenty of people that he enjoyed working with and created lasting bonds with coworkers. He tended to make work a bit more fun for everyone.
On July 25, 1981, David married Julie Sampson at the Kanawha Lutheran Church. Together they raised three children and built their life in Kanawha. David was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a worrier, and kept a very close eye on his family. His loving attention was valuable time and again. David also cared deeply about his community. He served as a firefighter for 30 years, an EMT for 10 years, was a member of the Swimming Pool Board, assisted with leading Kanawha Boy Scouts, and was a faithful member of Kanawha Lutheran Church. He was known for his skill and hard work in preparing the Kanawha Fireman’s annual Thanksgiving Meal for many years, as well as helping with numerous fundraisers and Firemen’s projects. He took pride in preparing and sharing food.
David enjoyed fishing, kayaking, and camping with his family and friends. Decorah, Iowa, was a favorite destination, as well as the North Shore of Lake Superior, and the Boundary Waters. He couldn’t get enough camping or fishing. His enthusiasm was the motivating factor in many trips being planned. He took pride in his woodworking and home projects as well, growing to understand the beauty in good tools.
David was known for his easy-going nature, good sense of humor, story-telling, and genuine love of people. He was willing to jump in and help wherever needed. He treasured time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. The grandchildren grew to know that “Papa” could be fun as well as comforting (and a good place to take a nap). He loved goofing off with all his nieces and nephews too. He was known to toss many a child into the air (and chase and tickle!). It can’t be missed that he was also friends with all the dogs!
David is survived by his wife of 44 years, Julie Spangler of Kanawha; his children, Rebecca (Zac) McCune of Urbandale and their children Zella, Nova, and Mavis; Melinda (David) Boege of Johnston and their children Madison and Mila; and Matthew Spangler (Chelsea Ray) of Forest City and children Joseph, Miles, McCoy, Frankee, and Charlie. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret Spangler (Kenny Boerjan), Lisa (Paul) Smidt, Caroline (Reggie) Andersen, and Stephanie (Chris) Specht; his mother-in-law, Pat Sampson; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.