Franklin Duane Spangler

July 2, 1933 – February 24, 2026

Franklin (Frank/Mike) Spangler passed away on February 24, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loved ones.

Frank was born on July 2, 1933, in Loyal, Wisconsin, to Frank and Ione Spangler. He grew up on the family farm alongside his five siblings; later relocating to California.

He proudly served in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division, from 1955 to 1959. Drafted in 1951 at the age of 18, he served overseas in Germany and traveled throughout Europe. While in the Army, he was a member of a boxing team and earned several trophies. After returning home and starting a family with his first wife Judy, he completed his service in the Army Reserves.

In his younger years, Frank loved racing motorcycles — a passion later shared by his sons, Franklin Jr. and Joseph. While raising his family, he truly was a “jack of all trades.” He opened motorcycle shops, arcades and bars, invested in real estate, and worked for Lockheed, a military aerospace, defense, and technology company, from which he later retired.

Frank enjoyed spending time on his tractor tending to his farm, playing weekly poker with his grandson, and, most of all, being with his family.

Frank is survived by his brother, Bernard Spangler; his daughter, Janis and her husband, Randy; his sons, Franklin Jr. and Joseph and his wife, Angel; his grandchildren, Stephanie, Jerrad and his partner, Amanda, Courtney and her husband, Tanner, and Jordawn and significant other Bradley followed by great grandchildren, Brodey, Kyleah, Berkley, Reis, and Joseph. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Gerald, Joseph and John Spangler, and sister Marie.

A Mass in celebration of his life will be held at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Junction City on March 20, 2026 @ 11am. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Viking Sal Senior Center of Junction City or St. Helen’s Catholic Church.