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Lee Spann Obituary
Oct 16, 2010
Passed away after a brave struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Idella and daughter Molly Gaines; son-in-law Jason and grandchildren Ryder and Lola of Minneapolis, MN. He is also survived by daughter, Carrie Ballas and son-in-law Alex of Boulder, CO. He was a long time music educator in Council Bluffs teaching vocal music for 32 years at Abraham Lincoln High School and 10 years at St. Albert Junior/Senior High. Lee also directed church choirs in both Council Bluffs and Omaha for over 40 years. Lee's passion for hunting, fishing, and Husker football was well-known to friends and family. As a life-long teacher, Lee touched many lives. He led by example and embodied kindness, generosity, patience, hard work, and integrity. He was involved in many community and educational activities including Southwest Iowa Men's Chorus and Evening Musical. He was currently serving as president of the Friends of Library Board. He also had served as past president of the Council Bluffs Arts Council, the Senior Center, and the Council Bluffs Educational Association. He was honored in 2007 with the Heritage Award for Service to Education.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held in Lee's honor at First Presbyterian Church, 216 S. 34th Street in Omaha on Saturday, October 23 at 10am. Memorials may be made to either the Bluffs Arts Council, the CB Public Library, The Abraham Lincoln Fine Arts Scholarship, the St. Albert Music Department, or the American Cancer Society or the First Presbyterian Church Music Department. CUTLER-O'NEILL-MEYER-WOODRING
Funeral Home - Bayliss Park Chapel
545 Willow Ave. 322-7779
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bob Fifer
October 14, 2020
This is a second entry written ten years after my first note. I re-read what I wrote 10 years ago and want to add a little more. The last time Lee and I had breakfast together was around 2008 when I flew from my home in Miami to check on my mother who had a previous stroke and was in a nursing home. I would fly into Omaha about every three months to check on her needs. I remember my conversation with Lee as if it were yesterday. He was very concerned about the block schedule that AL was going to and the effect it would have on the students. We started with that topic and moved on to solve all the problems of the world - or at least for that moment. We talked about many other things that go beyond the space available here. But through it all, I could feel his pride in all that I had accomplished personally and professionally. But I was neither unique or the only "special" student - we spoke of others and their accomplishments. He cared so much about all of his students - those who did well and also those who struggled. Being a teacher and a choir director was much more than a "job". It was a passion to shape the world toward a better place - one student at a time. I look around today and think the world could use so many more people like Lee Spann. It was honor to know him.
Shelly Bremel
November 17, 2010
Mrs. Spann and Family:
Sorry to hear that Mr. Spann passed away. I had him my senior year at A.L. I learned a lot from him musically. I liked that he would challenge you to better yourself in many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Shelly Bremel(Cryer)(ALHS 87)
Wendy Machmuller
October 24, 2010
I have fond memories of Mr. Spann and his tireless (and patient!) mentoring of all of us in the school choir. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters, Mrs. Spann. Wendy Machmuller (ALHS 86)
Greg Jones Barbara Gray
October 24, 2010
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Idela and the girls. Mr.Spann was such a great teacher as well as a neighbor. I have so many wounderful memories that involve him. He truley touched our lives for the better
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October 24, 2010
My children were involved in AL music programs and I attended many performances. His contribution to the community was great and the family must be very proud of his life example.
Isany/ Felipe and Laurie Cruz
October 23, 2010
When we heard of Mr. Spann passing last Saturday we got so sad and teary eyed.He touched the lives of his students at St. Albert and us parents.A great inspirations for our daughter Laurie who loves music and drama[ theater ].He left a void in our hearts and we are sad.We will never forget him.An awesome choir/ music teacher with a nurturing qualities.Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Mrs. Spann, Molly, Carrie and their families.Mr Spann, we thank you so much for everything and you will be missed so terribly!!!
October 23, 2010
The service for Lee today was truly beautiful and extremely moving! Lee and I went to school together at Wichita State and both of us came to Omaha to teach in the early 1960s.
David Moore
Chris Schultz
October 23, 2010
Idella,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care,
Chris
Chelsea Baker
October 23, 2010
I wish I could have spent more time under his direction. He was a phenomenal director, a successful teacher, and a kind man. He will be missed.
ALHS concert choir/Young Design
Class of 2003
David Holmes
October 23, 2010
Oh Lee! You've left such a huge hole!! But you got so much done while you were here. I met Lee in college. We were both music ed majors and became fraternity brothers, close friends, and roommates. We both ended up teaching music and volunteering so our lives were way too full but oh so rich. Lee introduced me to 20 below Zero on the ranch in Keya-Paha County where he grew up. He introduced my sister and I to water skiing on DeSoto Lake. I ended up "back East" so our visits were infrequent but first class when they occurred. When he came with Carrie to Washington, D.C. I gave him an area tour and he reported to the people he had come with that he had "just been to the Grand Prix with David". His comment to me was "We don't drive like that in Omaha . " I was privileged to watch him at work at AL, hear a jazz group that he was part of, get a grand tour of First Presbyterian Church, join him, Idella, Molly and Molly's husband and feel like extended family when they all visited Carrie in New York City, and most recently had a great catch-up time at a fraternity 50th. anniversary reunion in Wichita. I was so looking forward to our next meeting! There is a song that starts out "You can be anybody that you want to be . . ." and finishes with the thought ". . . and the love you leave behind when you're gone . . ." By that measure Lee had an amazingly successful life. I'm seriously grateful to have been a part of that life and appreciate so much the amount of enrichment he was able to give to all of us. Idella, DO stay in touch!
Sara Dodder Furr
October 22, 2010
My sympathy goes out to Mr. Spann's family. He was a wonderful teacher, always inspiring students to do their best. He was always able to see what was possible for students to achieve, even when we didn't believe it ourselves. His influence lives on in the lives of many of us who continue to sing, years after high school, because he gave us confidence and a love of music. (ALHS 1975)
Sharon McAlpin
October 22, 2010
I will miss visiting with Lee at the SWI Choral events. Even though we only saw each other a couple of times a year, he was a source of inspiration to me. You are in my thoughts.
Becky Galvan
October 22, 2010
So sad to hear of the loss of such a wonderful teacher. Mr Spann taught me that I had a great voice but I was so shy to sing in front of others. He told me just to sing sing sing and you won't even notice all of those people out there. He was so well respected by all. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will go one forever in our hearts. So sorry for the family to lose such a great man. God bless all of you. Class of 96 Concert Choir ALHS
Maureen Lambert
October 22, 2010
Mr. Spann was not only a wonderful teacher but he was also gentle and kind as he guided us to adulthood. He will always hold a special place in my heart. "Swing, Smile & Sell-It" ALHS Class of '73.
Jennifer Weismann
October 22, 2010
Dear Molly and family,
We are so sorry for this sudden and tragic loss of your father- it sounds like he was a wonderful man and it's clear that he passed along his kindness and love to you. I'm glad that he was able to meet his adorable grandkids. Love to you from the Weismanns
Gloria Blum
October 22, 2010
Dear Idella and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoyed working with you both at SA.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Darcy (Gearhart) Holmes
October 21, 2010
Mr. Spann was a great teacher whom touched many lives with his kindness and wisdom. God has built him a staircase to heaven where he will direct the Angel choir. Bless your family and may you rest in peace.
Michael Brown
October 21, 2010
Lee Spann was my Glee! A joyful, tolerant, articulate person who mentored me musically and fostered in me a love for music which continues in my daily life. Thank you for the music!
Jane Altman (Nelson)
October 21, 2010
I was a former student of Mr. Spann and then had the pleasure to be a colleague with him at Abraham Lincoln High School. As a student - I thought Mr. Spann was one of the most supportive, positive, and nurturing instructors. As a fellow teacher/colleague - I realized that Lee's heart was so full of love for everyone. At a particular faculty meeting, the teachers were asked to add another responsibility to their already overloaded duties. It would be easy to side with the majority of the complaints, but Lee always stood a bit taller in the face of a storm. He stood up and said to the crowd, "We all need to remember this question - IS IT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STUDENT?" Lee respected his students and they respected him. Lee respected his colleagues and they respected him. The room silenced and we moved on. Lee knew what was important in his life. He LOVED his daughters and talked about them in such a proud manner. His love affair with Idella is one the greatest stories of all. My heart breaks for you all. But you ladies impacted his life and his life impacted your lives and that is one of the greatest gifts in life. We should all be so lucky. When I heard the news - I instantly visualized him singing as loud as he could and in the front row was Don and Carol welcoming him home. God bless.
Brian Olsen
October 21, 2010
Spann Family,
I am sorry for you loss of a great man. He was a great part of my life through out high school and his kind hart helped me through that time. I will always remember him and the kind person he was.
Samantha (Tyler) Ruff
October 21, 2010
I only had Mr. Spann my freshman year of choir. (95-96) He was an amazing teacher and person. Alot of the students looked up to him. Im just glad I was one of the many he could teach and show his talents to. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May god be with you in your time of sorrow.
ALHS Class of 1999
Alicia Cihacek
October 21, 2010
The Spann Family,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Spann, he was a wonderful choir teacher to my daughter and he would always help her advance her singing ability. He will be greatly missed by all the Seniors at St. Alberts. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Fifer
October 21, 2010
I was very sad to hear this news. On a couple of occasions when I would come home to visit, he and I would meet for breakfast and remember the early days at AL. It has been said time and again how much he cared for his students - let there be no doubt that was and is the truth. He took great pride in their successes in school and in life. I was in the AL class of 1970 and played drums in swing choir. I have many fond memories of those days and, in retrospect, how hard he worked to show us off to the community. Without a doubt, he was one of my favorite and most remembered teachers at AL. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
October 21, 2010
Idella and Family...Words cannot express the sadness we feel at the passing of Lee. Sadness for you and for us. You are wonderful neighbors and friends. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers. If you need anything, we are here.
Love, Rick & Pam
Robin Leuschen
October 21, 2010
Both of my daughters attend St. Alberts and feel a huge loss at the passing away of their beloved music teacher. They were shopping when they received a text informing them of the news and they burst into tears. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor for them and he will be greatly missed by the entire community. Our hearts feel a tremendous loss!
Listen for angels hoving near,
whispering words you are longing to hear -
Love is not over...
Life is not gone...
now & forever, the spirit lives on.
Even in your sadness may you find comfort in knowing that the angels must be smiling because your loved one is among them now. With sympathy Robin, Melissa & Shelby Leuschen
Amanda McHargue Drennen
October 21, 2010
Mr. Spann was a great teacher who incouraged me to try and not give up on something that I enjoyed very much music. He was able to get me to come out of my shell and sing in front of others. It was always fun working with him in choir and on musicals. He will be missed.
Vanessa Hansen-Bergantzel
October 21, 2010
Idella, Molly and Carrie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He truly was an amazing person and will be greatly missed.
October 21, 2010
Molly & the Spann Family:
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I didn't know him personally, but his reputation preceded him. It is obvious he was a great person with much love for his craft and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Amy Isenhour/Council Bluffs
Stephanie Gray-McInnis
October 21, 2010
When I think of Mr. Spann, I think of commitment and passion. To be excited to create and work together as a group, while always striving to help each student meet their personal bests. My time with him (82-85) was precious and he will be missed.
Wendy Campbell
October 21, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. For many years Mr. Spann brought the Swing Choir up to Bethany Lutheran Home at Christmas time, it was always a treat for the residents. Sometimes there was one of the residents' grandchildren performing, and that made it more special. He was a very nice man to have known. May God give you comfort and peace.
Brenda Gray
October 21, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. He was an inspiration to me. Thank you for your gift of music you taught and shared with us.
God Bless,
Brenda Gray 1981
Fred Frick
October 21, 2010
Lee Spann was a great educator, who positively impacted the lives of many students. He was a source of great energy that helped all students realize they could be the best. He was a treasure that will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Owen Wengert
October 21, 2010
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Lee Spann. He was my music teacher at Norris Junior High. He was my first voice coach during the late 1960's and early 1970's. He was our choir director for a number of years at Hanscom Park United Methodist Church in Omaha. He was influential in my seeking a music career. I have many great memories of making music with Lee. He was a generous mentor who modelled hard work, the pursuit of excellence, responsibility, clean living and kindness. He is gone too soon, but his influence lives on.
gayle gordon
October 21, 2010
Mr. Spann assimilated a wide variety of talents and personalities into a cohesive whole. I will always remember him as one the the most influential people in my young adult years. My condolences to the family, your loved one shares a place in our hearts as well. Gayle (Swartz) Gordon '83
Ron & Marcia Weddle
October 20, 2010
To the Spann Family
I first met Lee when I was a Sig Ep pledge in 1962. He was an excellent mentor and friend, who I will alway cherish in my heart. Our prayers go out to you.
Earline Edwards
October 20, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Spann. He was a great inspiration to many students. A part of him will live on in in all of the students whose lifes he touched. He was a great teacher and mentor to my son. He taught him to work hard and always encouraged him to do his very best. Our family was very blessed to have known Mr. Spann.
October 20, 2010
Rest in Peace, Mr. Spann. My prayers are with you and your family. Thanks for the gift of music you brought to me and friens!
Suze Tait Bolduc
Carol Boyd-Swanger
October 20, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Spann family. He was a wonderful music teacher and will be remembered.
October 20, 2010
My thoughts are with the family of Lee Spann who was the beautiful person. He taught me many thing about the love of music. He will be mssed.
Tonia Birks '90
Bobette Joyner
October 20, 2010
I remember Mr. Spann with great fondness and gratitude. I worked as a volunteer in his office at ALHS for either 2 or 3 years....Enjoyed every minute. He always made me feel like I was invaluable, though I know I was probably sometimes a trial. Rest in Peace, my friend.
class of 1970 Concert Choir
Julie Button
October 20, 2010
Mr. Spann let me know I had value at a time in my life when I couldn't see it. He was one of the people who inspired me to become a teacher, because he so perfectly demonstrated how one person can inspire hearts and change lives. My fondest memories are wrapped in the AL music department, due to the love Mr. Spann and Mr. Misner had for their students and their profession. My thanks to Idella for your part in making him the man he was!
Amy Johnson, ALHS '90
October 20, 2010
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Mr. Spann will never be forgotten as he was such a part of so many of our lives through music. Rest in Peace and continue to let the music guide you through this time.
Steve Dygert
October 20, 2010
Lee Span was one of the most influential teachers I have ever had. Before moving to the Council Bluffs Schools, Lee taught in the Omaha Public Schools at Norris Junior High School.
When I was in the 9th Grade Chorus, we begged him to perform for us and on the last day of school in the Spring of 1967 he performed "Mariah" from Paint Your Wagon.
I had lost touch with him until 2004 when I was teaching at Missouri Valley and we ran into each other at a new music reading session. We sat next to each other and had commented on each other's voices and then we put two and two together. We had lunch and caught up on over 40 years of our love of music.
Lee was one of the reasons I went on to a doctor of musical arts degree and 25 years of college teaching and administration. Lee - you will be missed!
God bless all of his family and friends!
Jennifer (Christians) Kay
October 20, 2010
Mr. Spann will be missed greatly. His musical spirit and his passion for teaching...these live on in thousands of his former students. Rest in Peace.
Class of '80
October 20, 2010
Spann Family-
I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your precious Lee. When someone we love dies, it leaves an empty spot in our hearts which could never be filled by any other person. Soon, in a new world of god's making, all pain, suffering and sickness will all be gone forever. Until then, I will keep you all in my thougts and prayers.
A friend.
Michelle Owen - Schultz
October 20, 2010
Mr Spann was a very understanding and concerned teacher. I had the pleasure to have him as a choir director at A.L. for the 1979-81 school years. He brought me confidence in my singing. He will be missed by alot of people. Thank you to the Spann family of letting him be a part of our lives. He was a treasure. I want to express my sympathy to all his family , friends. students, former students. We lost a great man but we have many wonderful memories.
Christie Sorensen-Nedved
October 20, 2010
How I remember the musicals he put together. What a great asset he was to our school. My thoughts are with his family as he will be greatly missed.
Holli Burke
October 20, 2010
My thoughts and prayers to his family and to his many, many friends and students (both past and present). He was an inspiration to me both as a student and as a member of the (music) community long after my high school days. He will be sorely missed. Our loss is truly heaven's gain. "The strife is o'er, the battle won..."
Jim Tornabane
October 20, 2010
I'm so sorry to have learned of Lee's death.
He was a gifted teacher who was able to demonstrate both compassion and discipline in a healthy and balanced way. Though I rarely saw him in recent years, he remained an important influence on me both professionally and personally.
October 20, 2010
Mr. Spann was an amazing music teacher. He showed me how to use my talent as a singer an to do my best at it. I will miss him. He is now up in Heaven as the "Angels" new Choir Director..God Bless his family. Sue(Miner)Stewart, Class of "77"
Doug Atkinson
October 20, 2010
What a treat it was, on one of my last visits back, to see the "terrific trio" of Lee, John Gibson, and Jim Misner at the ALHS Fine Arts reunion. We should all be so lucky to have touched as many lives. Rest in Peace, Mr. Spann. Our prayers are now with your family.
Teressa Sward
October 20, 2010
Mr. Spann was a wonderful teacher that taught from the heart. He will be remembered by many.
Chris Harriman
October 20, 2010
Had him as a teacher from 1977-1980. He was a dedicated teacher. A definate loss to the community.
Jill (Kadereit) Strahm
October 20, 2010
My sincerest sympathy to the Spann family. Mr. Spann was a wonderful choir teacher. He inspired my appreciation and love of music and he will not be forgotten. You will all be in my prayers.
Barb (Roland) Ault
October 20, 2010
Mr. Spann was an awesome teacher. He will always be remembered fondly by those he touched.
Breanne Preston (Schweer)
October 20, 2010
Mr Spann was a great role model for me. He taught me to sing like no one was watching and gave me the confidence to do anything I put my mind to. He is now at peace and looking down on us. My thoughts are with him and his family.
Breanne Preston (Schweer)
October 20, 2010
Mr Spann was a great role model for me throughout my high school career. He taught me to sing like no one was watching and gave me the confidence to do anything I set my mind to. He is now at peace and watching over us. My thoughts are with him and his family.
October 20, 2010
Mr. Spann was a very kind person. We always enjoyed our involvement with him at St. Albert during the talent show. Thanks for teaching and sharing with so many. You will be missed. Jill Fischer
Helen and Carl Brandenburg
October 20, 2010
What a wonderful person, educator, mentor this person was. Mr. Spann will always be remembered for his love of teaching music, to students. You will always be in our hearts and in our prayers. Now the music in heaven is complete and perfect. Rest in peace Mr. Spann.
Lisa Carr (Kehm)
October 20, 2010
Mr. Spann was a wonderful person. He was always patient with me and taught me how to work hard and have fun. He will truly be missed. God bless him and his family.
Chapter President Lee Spann speaks at a chapter meeting
Henry Hall
October 20, 2010
Final photo in the series of Lee Spann, university undergraduate, President of Sigma Phi Epsilon, KS Eta Chapter, WSU
Lee as Chapter President of KS Eta, Sig EP, WSU
Henry Hall
October 20, 2010
Additional Photo of Lee in his college career at WSU
Scholarship Traveling Trophy
Henry Hall
October 20, 2010
Additional Photos of Lee as an undergraduate member of Sigma Phi Epsilon at WSU, Wichita
Sigma Phi Epsilon, KS Eta Chapter Recording Chorus
Henry Hall
October 20, 2010
On the campus of the University of Wichita, that's before it became Wichita State University, Lee was totally involved in his academic studies and once that was established he joined the newest Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Social Fraternity. Lee was initiate #72 and became involved in several positions of leadership, including Chapter President. He was a member of the chapter chorus that flew from Wichita to the RCA Studio's in Chicago. The Wichita Chapter has been selected by the National Music Committee of Sig Ep to record a 33.1/3 RPM vynal recording which was distributed at the National Convention the following summer. (In chorus photo Lee Spann is L/R second row, fourth person.) He led his chapter to first amount 12 other Sig Ep Chapters in KS and MO and received a Traveling Scholarship Trophy for the effort. In the KS Eta Membership photo, Lee is L/R, in the second row, seated as the fifth person. As Chapter President, he is speaking to the membership while standing in front of the framed presentation of one of the actual "Sig Ep Sings" record albums. Lee had natural leadership skills that he used to benefit many worthwhile organizations. His life experiences and love for music were positive influences to many met him, worked with him, and became his friend.
Rev. Edward J. Thompson
October 20, 2010
Brother Spann, well done, good and faithful servant. I remember my Sig Ep brother from WSU. He was a credit to not only the fraternity but also to his profession. He will be missed.
Dr. John R. Morton
October 20, 2010
Lee was an inspiration to me while I was an undergraduate member of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Wichita State University. It appears he continued to excell in many facets of his life. My sincere sympathy goes to his family.
Donald Luallen
October 20, 2010
Lee was a good friend and brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon at WSU. My best to his family.
Donald C. Luallen,
ALHS New Design Swing Choir 1976-1977
Bob Acklie
October 20, 2010
Mr Spann and John Gibson molded young people into champions (our 1976-1977 Swing Choir won all but one of our contests). He taught us to operate as a team at a high level, a skill that has served me well as an adult leader. I will always remember him fondly; his work lives on.
Cindy Farrell Pettengill ALHS '75
October 20, 2010
Forever Mr. Spann, never Lee. He so easily and rightfully earned the respect of his students. Mr. Spann's love for music and performance taught us how to be critical and thoughtful of others' efforts. And who can forget all those warm-ups "ma-may-me-mo-moo" singing scales? Mr. Spann will forever be one of those teachers who's story is forever entwined at AL and in his students' hearts.
Bob Matter
October 20, 2010
Mr Spann was a wonderful teacher and a great guy. His passion for music was an inspiration to me. He brought a whole new dimension to my senior year in high school (ALHS Class of 1971). I will always remember him.
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