Charles L Spangler
On May 27th, Charlie passed away at his home in Butte, surrounded by family.
Charlie was born in Anaconda, MT January 8th, 1948 to Lloyd and Irene (Schultz) Spangler. He graduated from Anaconda High School in 1966 where he excelled in both football and basketball. When not playing sports, Charlie could be found hunting and fishing. He spent his summers in the Big Hole haying at Wallace and Anne Christiansen’s Ranch. After graduation he joined the National Guard, and upon returning to Montana went on to attend Eastern Montana College with an emphasis in Education.
Charlie moved to Missoula in 1985 where he bartended at the Elk’s Club until he began a 14-year career at Smurfit Stone. It was there his future brother-in-law, Kelly, played matchmaker, pointing Charlie in the direction of his big sister, Vicky. What started as a “friendship” turned into the love of a lifetime that lasted 31 beautiful years. They enjoyed many adventures together from cheering on the Grizzlies, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, traveling, winters in Arizona, and their favorite golf.
One of their biggest adventures together was when they decided to change professions one last time. In 2000, Charlie and Vicky decided to was time to go back to school to become Xray Technologists. He always said it was the best thing he ever did. He enjoyed working the Radiology field in private practice until he retired in 2008.
Once retired, Charlie was able to continue to enjoy everything he loved about Montana, although now he saw the world through the eyes of his grandchildren. He discovered a love he never knew existed in the times he spent with them. He was so proud of each of them, and loved hearing about their adventures, while sharing some of his own.
Charlie truly had the best friends anyone could ever imagine. He cherished each of them, from the ones he’s held on to since childhood, to the ones he has picked up in the recent years. There are many memories set in the Pintlers and Pioneers, ones that no doubt will be told for years to come at hunting camp.
Charlie is survived by his wife Vicky; his step children Jamie Kearney (Toby Beavis), Mickey Kearney (Jenna), and Sam Kearney; his sisters Phyllis Grayson and Sharon Williamson; his brothers-in-law Rich (Lori) Jette and Kelly (Laurie) Jette; his nephews and nieces Charles, Mark, Barbara, Cathy, Scot, Allison, April, Nichole, Tommy, Reno, Travis and Lindsey; and his grandchildren, Ryan, Benjamin, Jayden, Regina, Alijah, Madison, and Brody.
Charlie was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Bobby, his mother and father-in-law Pete and Regina Jette, and his grandson Dylan Case.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Anaconda Country Club, 1521 Country Club Road, Anaconda, MT. A reception will follow the service. A private burial will be held by the family at a later date.
Our family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Cheri Browne, Jack Pipinich, Pat and Joy Connors, Janet Lindh, Sister Mary Jo, Senior Solutions Hospice, Axelson Funeral Services, and the kindness he received at St James Healthcare. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Charlie.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Charlie and his family.
Rick Martin says
Charlie you will be missed by so many. Your smile and laugh were undeniably genuine. Reat in peace my friend. My sincere condolences to his family and many many friends
Rick Martin says
Charlie you will be missed by so many. Your smile and laugh were undeniably genuine. Rest in peace my friend. My sincere condolences to his family and many many friends
Jim VanFossen says
Charlie – your passing too young is so sad. As a young boy growing up in Anaconda, I remember your athletic abilities seemed advanced for your young age. You were alway bigger and faster and better looking than the rest of us. Your ‘unique’ golf swing developed later in life was a thing to behold yet effective. You were blessed with an easy smile, engaging personality, and, dog on it, people liked you. Rest easy my friend, you will be missed. Jim VanFossen
Pat Dowdall says
My deepest sympathies to the family. Although I haven’t seen Charlie much since high school graduation when I left Montana, I spent many hours with him during my Anaconda days. We played much ball together– as teammates in pickup basketball and football on the courts and fields, but mostly as competitors since we attended different schools. A superb competitor.
Ed Lally says
Not a finer Man ever born. First class all the way. Always a smile on his face. And one of the Greatest of Griz Nation ever. Thoughts and prayers with you Vicky and family. Rest In Peace my friend.
Ed Lally
Bill Shea says
Still see Charles in his yellow Hornets uniform, with that particular smile he came with, as well as being on KP with him in the Guard. He always laughed at my jokes, which was particularly pleasing as our original encounters were as umpire and player. Rest In Peace, you were/are safe.
Anna Yup Boskovich says
Charlie, you are a special friend I had the honor and pleasure to meet when I was introduced to Bosko’s friends and family in 1985, so many awesome memories since, I can only imagine what heaven has when the gates opened to you, Rest in Eternal Peace Missing you Charlie, You are missed by so many…Condolences to Vickie and your family
Tammy Hansen says
We will cherish the times we had playing golf in Arizona. Charlie you had a heart ❤️ of gold & a smile like no other. May you Rest In Peace.
Randall & Tammy Hansen
Elena Nelson says
Dear Vicky and family, Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Charlie was such a kind man. We really enjoyed hearing all of his stories. His legacy will live on through all of you. Please reach out if you need anything at all. With love always, Ron, Elena, Wade, and Madison
Tim & Wendy Heffernan says
We were lucky enough to spend time with Charlie in Missoula. He recuperated at our house during his knee surgery. We loved every minute of spending time with him. RIP Charlie & our regrets to Vickie & family. God Bless.
“Mooney” Samson says
My last conversation with Charlie was at a Griz game tailgate. You were always such a down-to-earth guy! I Remember those EMC days with you and Bosko and hope your both reminiscing the good ol’ times. Condolences to the family.
Bob McKay says
Moose Lake Charlie was the best. On all of our summer pack trips he was the best ballroom dancer, the best trick rider, the best mud bogger and the best dresser of the whole outfit. Here’s hoping your new stomping grounds has cold beer and no mosquitoes. “Walk About” Bob
Jan Bell says
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Vicky and family. I remember how excited we were to retire from St. James and spend time with our hubbies. RIP Charlie ❤️
Michael McCullough says
I got to know Charlie as a member of the Missoula Elks Lodge. Although we went our different ways, I will always remember how his friendly personality and sense of humor made it easy for him to carry on a conversation with most anyone he met. I was saddened to hear of his passing. RIP, Charlie~~
Michael McCullough, Missoula
Keith Baxter says
Good Time Charlie. RIP. My Friend. I met Charlie in college in Billings. We became lifelong friends and connected in various places across Montana. He always had that great smile which everyone noticed. The last several years we connected ice fishing and always had great stories. Condolences to the family. You will be missed.
Big Ed says
Country club charlie , I’ll miss riding with you in your cart,but I won’t miss the cigar smoke . We had a lot of great laughs,and fun I’m sure there,s golf in heaven my friend. Condolences to Vicky and families