Ivan Neil “Ike” Spangenberg peacefully passed into eternal life with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 26 at age 94 in Germantown, WI. Ike was born in Appleton, WI on March 31, 1932, the youngest of three boys born to Ray and Myrtle Spangenberg. Ike graduated from Appleton High School (now Appleton West) in 1950. A star athlete in high school football and track, he was accepted to Lawrence College (now University) on a sports scholarship. But Ike was also musically gifted, playing trumpet, piano and organ, also having a strong baritone singing voice. In college, Ike solidified his love for music and declared a music education major. He also took up French horn, which he “fell in love with” as his main instrument. And at Lawrence he met and fell in love with his beloved wife, Carol Gode. They graduated together in 1954 and were married December 28 the same year.

Ike’s first music teaching position was in Brillion, WI. His young musical career was put on hold when he was called up to serve as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves from June 1956 to June 1958, mainly at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. During his “army years” Carol gave birth to their first child, Ruth. Ike was honorably discharged in 1958 and moved his family to Elmwood Park, IL where he taught band and their second child, John, was born. In 1959 Ike accepted the band director position at Appleton Roosevelt Junior High School, which brought Ike and his young family back to Appleton. In 1964 Ike became the band director at Appleton High School (now West), a post he held nearly 30 years. He and Carol had their youngest child (Carl) there in 1968. In 1992 Ike spent three years teaching the elementary level again, which he thoroughly enjoyed, finally retiring in 1995.

Over his career Ike inspired several thousand students in band, ensemble and solo performances at a multitude of concerts and music festivals—including all three of his own children and his daughter-in-law. His students performed well and found his love of music, teamwork, and life contagious. He faithfully directed his church choir for about 20 years (1960s-1980s), often integrating area musicians and vocalists into the choir’s numerous musical offerings. He also held the baton of the Appleton City Band as its conductor for 47 years, stepping down in 2011 after directing hundreds of summer concerts. In June 2015 Ike took the City Band baton one more time as guest conductor when as the new Pierce Park outdoor band stage was dedicated to him.

During his retirement years, Ike was a member of the local Golden Kiwanis chapter, where he made some dear friends and enjoyed many midweek breakfasts with them. Ike remained athletic throughout his teaching and retirement years, enjoying running, cross-country skiing, biking, and especially tennis which he continued playing well into his 80s.

In early 2024 Ike moved to Germantown, WI to live closer to his son (Carl) and daughter-in-law (Lisa). During what became his last years he bravely navigated a heart condition to which he ultimately succumbed peacefully on May 26, 2026. He is survived by his son, Carl Spangenberg and daughter-in-law Lisa (Malon) Spangenberg, both of Thiensville, WI; his granddaughter Holly (Spangenberg) Wagner of Madison, WI; his grandson-in-law John Wagner of Madison, WI; and several nieces and nephews. Ike was preceded in death by his daughter Ruth Spangenberg (1988), wife Carol Spangenberg (2006), and son John Spangenberg (2021).

A memorial service will take place at 4:00pm, on Wednesday June 24, 2026, at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home to share stories of Ike’s life from 2:00pm until the service begins. A private interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton, WI.

Special thank-you to the many kind and caring staff at The Gables senior community of Germantown, WI; Froedtert Hospital of Menomonee Falls, WI; and Horizon Hospice Services. You were all most supportive during Ike’s final days with us. In lieu of sending flowers to the family, please consider a donation in memory of Ike to the Appleton City Band, Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, or a charitable organization of your choice.