Gale Spangler

Gale F. Spangler age 68 of Madison and formerly of Richland Center passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at his residence following an illness. He was born on August 21, 1956 the son of Arthur T. and Frances H. (Montague) Spangler of Richland Center. Gale graduated from Richland Center High School in 1974. After high school, he served in the Marine Corps for four years, spending much of this time in Japan. After returning to Wisconsin, he received his bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison. Gale was married to Karen S. Fowell in 1986 and together the couple had six children. Gale and Karen parted ways in 2003 and Gale moved to Madison to be closer to his employment at the UW Hospital where he worked as a Telecommunication Analyst for many years.

During his life, Gale had many interests. He enjoyed collecting comic books and trading cards. He never failed to miss a new Marvel or DC Comics movie when it came out in theaters, often joining his children or grandchildren to attend. He enjoyed music and attended multiple Rolling Stones concerts. During his young adulthood, he spent time working at The Edgewater in Madison and met multiple musicians, among them the Bee Gees and Johnny Cash. In later years, he took up Cornhole and joined friends in multiple “bag tournaments”, which brought him much joy. In his prime, he was a wonderful cook and enjoyed fine dining and exotic foods- never turning down a chance to go out for oysters. Coincidentally, he passed away on the same day as Ozzy Osbourne, something which he would find exceedingly amusing.

Survivors include his 5 children, Allison Ewing, Taylor (Jaycee) Spangler, Neal (Jocelyn Storer) Spangler, Nathan (Elizabeth) Spangler and Abigail (Brad Erickson) Spangler, as well as his brother, Ken (Meg) Spangler, and nine grandchildren: Ayden, Austin, Kiera, Elia, Josie, Nellie, Uriah, Simon, and Greta, as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Renee Spangler, his son, Lyle Spangler, his parents, Arthur and Frances Spangler, and his former wife, Karen S. Fowell.

His family would like to thank his friends at Bennett’s Meadowood Country Club, especially Dana, for their companionship, assistance, and care. They brought a lot of joy to his last few years and served as a social outlet following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center with a final salute to be held prior to the funeral by the Richland Center Local Veterans Military Memorial Honors Unit. Visitation will be held at the Stafford Funeral Home on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of Service. Burial in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Bloom Township, where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Local Veterans Military Memorial Honors Unit.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #13.

Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com. The Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center is assisting the family with the arrangements