David Alan Spangenberg April 16, 1948 - October 7, 2022

Obituary for Papa Smurf (aka Smiling Buddha) :o)

It is heartbreaking to announce that my sweetheart and love of my life for more than forty years, David Alan Spangenberg, aged seventy-four, a longtime resident of Meridian, Idaho; passed away peacefully from natural causes, in the early morning hours on October 7, 2022, watching his favorite spaghetti westerns. David was born on April 16, 1948, at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho and grew up in the Treasure Valley. He later pursued higher education at Boise State College, majoring in Arts and Literature with a minor in Pool Billiards. David completed seminary courses in his pursuit to become an ordained Pentecostal Minister as he loved his Lord and Savior. David met his bride-to-be at the Gowen Field Non-Commissioned Officers Club when he asked her to dance to; “I Just Came Here to Dance” by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ7Dj-opSGg. Almost four decades ago, he married his adoring wife, Katherine Sylvia Spangenberg, on February 19, 1983. He loved his beautiful bride and family. His daily presence missed, and absence deeply felt.

David worked for Idaho Power as a Meter Technician for 30 years and was a consummate resource of reliability and inspiration to peers within the organization and service communities. He joined the United States Army National Guard and proudly served his country for 30 years prior to retiring in 1999. David found an opportunity to serve his local community and came out of retirement to work for the Ada County Mosquito Abatement organization for 12 years. The Mosquito Abatement Team was privy to David’s practical joker shenanigans and shared these precious memories with his loving widow.

David was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fly-fishing spending hours tying his own flies. He loved hunting for wild game and even taught Hunter Safety Education courses for 13 years as he was an advocate for gun safety. David was an enthusiastic collector of treasures from Hot Wheels to vintage memorabilia. He admired classic cars, auto shows, and attending car races at the Meridian Speedway. David was a gifted artisan of landscape paintings and wood craftsmanship.

David is preceded in death by Stanford Spangenberg (father), Juanita Spangenberg (mother); Mos Ogawa, Sonny Pullman, Herm Pullman (brothers-in-law); Bridget Highfill (daughter), and Ashley Derks (granddaughter). David is survived by adoring bride, Kathe Spangenberg (wife), Pam Kerr (sister); Todd Spangenberg (Mireya) and Chris Spangenberg (Joy) (sons); Shannon Justice and Cindy Barnes (daughters); seventeen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

The family arranged services through Bowman’s Funeral Parlor, 10254 W Carlton Bay Drive, Garden City, Idaho, 83714; (PH: 208.807.2147) and an interment ceremony with full military honors at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, Idaho, 83714; on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 2:00 pm (PH: 208.780.1340) (MapQuest: https://www.mapquest.com/us/idaho/veterans-cemetery-351546536). A Celebration of Life gathering to share memories with loved ones, will be hosted at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post # 63, 8931 Ardene Street, Boise, Idaho, 83709; (PH: 208.424.8387) (MapQuest: https://www.mapquest.com/us/idaho/vfw-post-63-279570193) following the interment ceremony. “TAPS” Bugle w/ Lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKCMF0TSbzw

“TAPS Bugle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Xrlf3taEo