ELLINWOOD — Alma I. Spangenberg, 101, of Ellinwood, formerly of Hudson, died peacefully of natural causes at the Ellinwood Senior Living Center in Ellinwood, on Wednesday March 23, 2016.
She was born Feb. 4, 1915, to Edward and Dena (Mindrup) Brensing on the family farm near Hudson.
In 1915, Alma was the first baby to be baptized at the new Trinity Evangelical Church of Hudson which her father helped build. She attended both grade school and high school in Hudson and graduated from Hudson High School in 1933 as valedictorian of her class. She entered St. Rose School of Nursing in Great Bend, graduating in 1936 as a registered nurse. On Aug. 7, 1937, she married Curtis W. Spangenberg. They farmed north of Hudson on the farm that was homesteaded by Curtis’ grandfather, Fred W. Spangenberg. Alma and Curtis lived there together for 54 years, until Curtis’ death in 1992. Alma continued to live on their farm until May, 2007, when she moved to the Ellinwood Senior Living Center in Ellinwood.
In 1956, Alma decided to use her nursing skills and began working at the Stafford Hospital. She enjoyed her 16 years of employment and was especially proud of earning money to help further her children’s education.
Alma was involved with many clubs and groups in the Hudson community: Jolly Stitchers, Trinity Church Guild, Hudson Homemakers, and Hudson Senior Citizens. She was a life-long member of Trinity Evangelical Church. Almost enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, quilting, studying genealogy, stamp collecting, working with ceramics, playing cards with community couples, bird watching, and going on trips. She especially enjoyed two trips taken with Curtis to Germany to meet distant relatives. She loved spending time with her grandchildren working on projects and attending their many activities. Each year, Alma enjoyed hosting a large family Christmas celebration at the farm. Alma was a well respected lady in the community and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt.
Alma is survived by her three children — daughters, Karen (Gatton) Kramp, Ellinwood; Cheryl Hibbert, Hudson; and a son, Edward (Janet) Spangenberg, Olathe; nine grandchildren, Mike (Debra) Gatton; Patrick (Sharon) Gatton; Jolene (Tom) Snell; Dawn (Jim) Cook; Lori Schneweis; Kristen (Kelly) Wondra; Jennifer (Jim) Forehand; Darren (Jennifer) Spangenberg; and Nicole (Kevin) Oehme; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 19 step-great-grandchildren; 13 step-great-great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Edna Spangenberg; and 13 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis; her parents, Edward and Dena Brensing; a brother and sister-in-law, Jakie and Hulda Brensing; a sister and brother-in-law, Vera and Clarence Alpers; a brother and sister-in-law, Alvin and Zelda Brensing; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Elmer and Esther Spangenberg; Helen and Cleason Riddle; brother-in-law, Walter Spangenberg; sons-in-law, Leland Gatton and Roger Kramp; nephew, Burnell Alpers; niece Jean Lauer; and Shirley Brensing, wife of nephew Myron.
A vigil service to celebrate Alma’s life will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Trinity Community Church in Hudson, with burial following at Trinity Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the Trinity Community Church in Hudson or the St. Joseph School Endowment Fund in Ellinwood in care of the funeral home.  

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel**
113 North Main
Ellinwood, KS, 67526
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 24, 2016