Richard Harlin Spangenberg

Peshtigo lost a legend on September 27th, 2025, when Richard Harlin Spangenberg, 97, of Peshtigo died peacefully with family at his side. Born June 26th, 1928, son of the late Charles and Margaret (Elert) Spangenberg, he attended Peshtigo High School where he was on the boxing team, worked at the bowling alley setting pins, and enjoyed riding his horse, Sweetheart.
After graduating, he worked at Thompson Boat. He married Mary Berth on October 7th, 1950 at Zion Lutheran Church in Peshtigo. The couple raised five children, and celebrated 69 years of marriage. They traveled extensively including trips to Europe, Egypt, China and Indonesia with his cousin, Bud Schrank.
Dick served his country during the Korean War as an Army Medic reaching the rank of Sergeant. Following his discharge, he returned to Peshtigo and worked at Badger Paper Mills in the Wax and Finishing departments.
Dick was spunky, hard-working, quick witted, comical, determined, genuine and kind. He was a true 'Townie' having lived on the same block his entire life. The home he lived in for over 60 years, he built with his brothers. Dick was a gifted woodworker, creating everything from shelves, to furniture, as well as remodeling. MANY people are recipients of these special gifts. He enjoyed time at the cabin, deer hunting, or at least deer camp, 'making wood', and spending time with his "kissin' cousins". He was a competitive card player, especially Smear and 500, known to over-bid his hand. All that knew him were familiar with his many "Dick-isms" such as "potlicker", "tougher than a boiled owl", "dumber than a stump", and "there was a little bird ". In recent years, he enjoyed cruising Peshtigo in his Green Machine, and breakfast with the Veterans and his friend Ardie.
Dick loved hard, enjoyed people and had a way of making everyone feel like family.
Dick is survived by his children, Karen (Greg) Schounard, Jan (Bob) Wilson, Steve (Jeni) Spangenberg, Bob (Kim Ness) Spangenberg and Jodi (Ed) Ruggles; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Judy (Richard) Bruemmer, Joan Berth, Louis Spangenberg and special cousin, Lenore Peterson; Also survived by many devoted and loving nieces, nephews and special friends.
Along with his parents, and wife, Mary, Dick was preceded in death by his brothers, Warren (Jeanine Ehman) and Paul Spangenberg, sister Helen (Frank) Pillsbury, sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley (Jens) Pouslen, Bill and Dave Berth, and Lynn (Philip) Mainik.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 4, at Berth and Rosenthal Funeral Home, 331 S. Ellis Ave. Peshtigo, from 9:00 until the time of the service at 11:00 with Pastor Luke Myslik officiating. All are invited to the burial with Military Honors at Riverside Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at Brown's Corner, 800 French St., Peshtigo.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to the capable, caring, compassionate staff at Residence by Rennes, and Rennes East. You all are AMAZING. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made in Dick's name.