Captain Frank August Spangenberg III

1942 - 2025

Captain Frank August Spangenberg III

June 19, 1942 - September 24, 2025

Captain Frank August Spangenberg III, United States Naval Reserve, Retired

Captain Frank August Spangenberg III, USNR (Ret.), age 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, entering into the presence of his Lord.

He was born June 19, 1942, in East Aurora, New York, to Frank A. Spangenberg Jr. and Marcia Lou Spangenberg. He attended Nichols School in Buffalo, New York, where he excelled academically and athletically - playing football and hockey - and graduated cum laude as a Nichols Scholar.

A proud Eagle Scout, Frank carried his commitment to scouting into adulthood, serving as a dedicated scout leader and mentor to many young men, including his sons.

Frank entered the United States Naval Academy in 1960, graduating in 1964 with a degree in engineering. As a Fulbright Scholar, he pursued further studies in nuclear engineering in France. He served on active duty in the United States Navy until 1975, holding key positions as weapons officer, engineering officer, operations officer, and navigator aboard three nuclear submarines: USS Ray, USS Francis Scott Key, and USS Sunfish.

Following his transition to the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1975, Frank continued to serve in leadership roles, including command of the Naval Reserve Center in Decatur, Illinois, and additional senior staff assignments. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1994 after 30 years of distinguished military service, having achieved the rank of Captain.

In his civilian career, Frank worked as a nuclear engineer and project manager for engineering firms and nuclear power plants on both coasts before settling in Central Illinois, where he completed his career and enjoyed his retirement.

On December 13, 1969, he married Linda Faye Mason in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She survives, along with their sons Mark (Theresa), Scott (Paulette), and Kirk (Sallie); grandchildren Kent, Christopher (Vanessa), Kailey (CJ), Kristen, Kalysa, Ellie, Sarah Mason, and Gus; and great-grandchildren Layla, Lynnlee, Lincoln, and Lexi. Also surviving are his brother Karl (Elaine) Spangenberg and sisters Patricia Sheehan and Susan (Gus) Falcioni. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his son, Frank August Spangenberg IV.

Frank was a man of deep Christian faith - a devoted husband, father, and grandfather - and a proud veteran who exemplified service, leadership, and integrity throughout his life.

A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Beck Memorial Home, 209 E. Grove St. Bloomington, IL. A funeral service will be held for Frank at the funeral home on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A private burial will be held after the service at Evergreen Cemetery, Bloomington, IL. where Military honors will be rendered in recognition of his distinguished service.

Please visit Beckmemorial.com to send your condolences.