Leon Eugene Spangenberg

Leon Eugene Spangenberg, 60, of New Baden, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O'Fallon. He was born on January 1, 1964, in Tampa, Florida, to Clarence and Elvira May(nee Tweady) Spangenberg. He married Christy Loehring February 8, 1997 in Summerfield and she survives in New Baden.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kevin (Kala) Spangenberg, Shala (Stu) McAllister, and Melissa (Robert) Shreeman; his sister, Cathy; sister-in-law, Kimberly (Richard) Biebel; and grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chuck Spangenberg; his mother, Mae Spangenberg, and her friend, Frank; along with his grandparents, Armen Tweady, and Alberta and Homer Cordes.

Raised in Brandon, Florida, Leon was an active member of Bloomingdale Baptist Church, where he earned the nickname "The Little Preacher". He enjoyed playing baseball and was a proud participant in the Boy Scouts. In 1974, his family relocated to Illinois, where he attended Oakdale Grade School and graduated from Nashville Community High School.

Leon cherished the time spent with family and friends, often gathering for barbecues, where he was affectionately known as the "grillmaster." He found peace at his cabin, a favored retreat for relaxation. Professionally, Leon worked on a dairy farm and later took up a role as a truck driver for Rehkemper Building Products in St. Rose.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 9 a.m. until the time of services at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden.

Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Nordike Funeral Home, followed by burial at Oakdale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Locust Creek Cemetery or the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.