Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1955
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Larry Spanjer Obituary
The Spanjers moved often due to Al's work, living for a time in Bowman, ND; Gregory, SD; Bordulac, ND; Carrington, ND; and finally, Jamestown, ND, where Larry graduated from Jamestown High School in 1974.
He met the love of his life, Denise Podenski, at a "disco dance" in 1980. Their first real date was a row out on Kropp's Dam north of Jamestown to fish for crappies. They married March 27, 1982.
In 1994, Larry and Denise relocated to Bismarck so Larry could continue his 36-year career as a BNSF brakeman, switchman, and conductor. He retired at 60 in 2015.
To mourn him, Larry leaves Denise, his wife of 43 years; his brothers Mike (Marie) of Phillips, WI; and Scott (partner Babs Coler) of Fargo, ND; brother-in-law Duane Lillehaug; three nephews, a niece, and a great niece; five cousins, and mother-in-law Violet Podenski of Edgeley, ND. He is sorely missed by his precious furry friends Ginger Snap (an amber torti), Buttermilk Skye (a dilute torti), and Bob (the feline Cary Grant).
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Gerben and Nellie (Hoekstra) Tjepkema and Dirk and Thelma (Vangen) Spanjer, parents Norma and Al Spanjer, and sisters Kathy Spanjer (Duane Lillehaug), Michelle Spanjer; and sister-in-law Pam McGee.
The family encourages a memorial donation to Prairie Public Broadcasting, Central Dakota Humane Society, or Seeds of Hope, an Abused Adult Resource Advocacy group.
A big thank you to the medical doctors and specialists, nurses, and supporting cast of professionals at Sanford Hospital, Bismarck for the kind and thorough care provided during Larry's 29-day hospitalization.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025 Bismarck Municipal Country Club, 930 N Griffin, Bismarck, ND.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Larry Spanjer
Funeral services provided by:
Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Service - Bismarck2302 East Divide Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Spanjer
Sponsored by Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Service - Bismarck.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Larry Spanjer's name
How to support Larry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Larry Spanjer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
