Robert 'Mike' Michael Spangler

Robert 'Mike' Spangler Obituary Robert Michael (Mike) Spangler, 76 of Ogallala, Nebraska passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Ogallala Community Hospital in Ogallala, Nebraska. Mike was born to Erma and Robert (Bob) Spangler on March 16th, 1947, on the family farm in Ogallala, Nebraska. Mike graduated from Ogallala High School. He participated in wrestling and high school rodeo where he was a rough stock rider. He then attended Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska. Following his time in Kearney, Mike joined the Army National Guard and attended basic training in Fort Bliss, Texas. Texas would come to be a special location for Mike as this is where he would marry his wife, Linda Frates. Mike and Linda met in junior high school after being introduced by Mikes cousin, Bruce, and Lindas sister, Jean. The four youngsters went on a double date shortly after meeting and the rest was history. Mike and Linda were married on May 27th, 1967. The couple returned to Ogallala, NE to start their lives together. After returning to Nebraska, they were blessed with three children, Shaun, Amy, and Tonia. It is no surprise Mikes children were his pride and joy. Although he had the opportunity to join the professional rodeo circuit with his good friend, Jerome Robinson, he happily chose to stay home to start their family. Mike was an avid cowboy from a very young age. He told many stories of riding horses to the river with his brothers, which normally ended by getting into some type of trouble. He hosted ropings, spent countless hours breaking horses, and taught each one of his children and grandchildren to ride. When he wasnt rodeoing himself, he was watching his kids and grandkids do so. Mike spent time working as an insurance salesman where he was able to travel frequently. When not working in insurance he worked on the family farm and ranch, which he would eventually take over in September of 1976. Later in life Mike enjoyed entertaining his grandkids. They each have their own fond memories of learning to ride horses, drive cars (before they could even see over the steering wheel), going fishing, having bonfires, jumping hay bales, gardening, and singing "Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer", every Christmas Eve. Most recently "Grandpa Mike" found himself getting to reminisce on all the fun memories of his own kids and grandkids as he enjoyed time with his new great-granddaughter. Mike is preceded in death by his father Robert Spangler, mother Erma Spangler, brothers Wayne Spangler, Jerry Spangler, Tim Spangler, and sister Doris Hirsch. Mike is survived by his wife Linda Spangler; Brother Loyd (Sue) Spangler of Norfolk, NE; Son Shaun (Lisa) Spangler of Arthur, NE; Daughter Amy (Roger) Triplette of Brule, NE; Daughter Tonia (Toby) Heath of Julesburg, CO; Grandkids: Joe Boggs, Tessa Triplette, Taylla (Michael) Nein, Brenna Triplette, Terrance Heath, Jacei Spangler, Lane Wood, Kelsey (Beau) Buechle, Ansley Wood, and great-grand daughter Thia Nein. As well as a multitude of memories and stories of many nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial Services will be Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:00 am in the New Hope Church in Ogallala with Pastor Matt Waitley officiating. A memorial has been established for a High School Rodeo Scholarship. Mikes ashes will be spread at the family farm at a later date. A meal will be provided following the service at the Spangler Roofing Office Building located at 1104 W 1st St, Ogallala, NE 69153. Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com Services will be live-streamed from www.drauckerfh.com Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Services Funeral Service Friday January 12, 2024 10:00 AM Memorial Funeral Service (Ogallala)