Thomas Spangrud Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Thomas S. Spangrud was born January 11, 1931 in Wayzata, MN, the son of Alfred and Edna (Thompson) Spangrud. He was raised in Wayzata where he graduated from high school. Thomas attended one year of study at Augsburg College and two years at St. Cloud Teacher?s College. Thomas became a naval cadet in the US Navy and was severely injured when his plane crashed at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. After seven months of recuperation he was discharged from the Navy. Thomas then enrolled in the University of Minnesota where he received his degree in business. On September 3, 1955 Thomas was united in marriage to Carole Mills at Trinity Episcopal Church in Excelsior, MN. The couple made their home in Mendota Heights, MN and then later in Minnetonka, MN. They were blessed with five children, Julie, Steve, Scott, Paul and Dana. Thomas worked for the Toni Company in St. Paul for about three years before joining St. Regis paper Company where he worked as a salesman and later as regional manager. He then took a job with Boise-Cascade as a regional manger. In 1980 Thomas accepted the position of president of Blackmer Corporation, a division of Dover Corporation, in Grand Rapids, MI. Thomas retired from Blackmer in December of 1994. Upon his retirement he and Carole made their home in Phoenix, AZ. They also kept a summer home on Lake Ida near Alexandria, MN. Thomas believed in volunteerism. He served as the chairman of the United Way Fund Drive in Grand Rapids. He also was active in the Junior Achievement program. Thomas was a former member of the Jaycees and had served on the church council at St. David?s Episcopal Church. He was also active at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Arizona. Thomas loved spending time golfing; he was a member of several golfing clubs. He enjoyed boating and talking walks with his dog, Brydee. Especially important to Thomas was time spent with his children. On Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Thomas died at the age of seventy-seven years. His parents and one daughter, Julie Spangrud, preceded him in death. Thomas is survived by his wife, Carole Spangrud of Alexandria and Phoenix; three sons, Steve Spangrud and wife, Brenda, of Phoenix, Scott Spangrud and wife, Lora, of Blue Springs, MO and Paul Spangrud of Alexandria; one daughter, Dana Samuels and husband, Todd, of Grand Rapids; seven grandchildren, Taylor Spangrud, Maghan Goodsell, Amiee Spangrud, Sara Spangrud, Nathan Spangrud, Trevor Samuels and Justin Samuels; and two brothers, Bill Spangrud and wife, Mildred, of Kamula, HI and Arlane Spangrud of Rockford, IL. A memorial service was held Monday, September 29, 2008 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Rev. Mark Astrup officiated. Barbara & Roger Riley and Becky Worley provided music. Military honors were accorded by American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.