Pat Spangler

Age 93 of Florence Township, Wilmington, Illinois passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois.

Born May 2, 1930, in Oak Park, Illinois, Mary Patricia was a daughter of Roy Orvin and Blanche Elizabeth (Wright) Benson. She graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1948 and went on to marry Richard “Dick” Spangler on November 29, 1952, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Ottawa Street in Joliet, Illinois. Together the two made a home and raised their family on the family farm in Florence Township. A woman of strong faith, Pat was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington where she enjoyed volunteering in the kitchen for various parish fundraisers throughout the years. She held employment with the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant prior to dedicating herself to the home and her family.

One could often find Pat outside tending to her flowers, or meticulously mowing the lawn or maintaining the family home. She shared Dick's passion for boating and made countless treasured memories on the water with family and friends throughout nearly five decades. In addition to her love for outdoor activities, Pat also had an avid interest in NASCAR. She attended eight NASCAR events between Daytona, Homestead, and Chicago—an experience that undeniably brought her joy. Furthermore, Pat had a deep appreciation for travel and was blessed to spend nearly 30 winters in Florida.

On what would have been their 71st wedding anniversary, Pat was reunited with her beloved husband Dick.

Survivors include her four children: Joseph (Nola) Spangler of Wilmington, Robert Spangler of Estes Park, Colorado, and Thomas (Kathy) Spangler and Diane (Tom) Housman, both of Wilmington; eight grandchildren: Mike (Tracy) Spangler and Rick Spangler, both of Bettendorf, Iowa, Jennifer (Dan) Morris of Godley, Jackie (Rob) Park of Manhattan, Brian (Danielle) Spangler of Avon, Indiana, Ashley (Ben) Ingram of Wilmington, Tiffany Housman of Phoenix, Arizona, and Jimmy Housman of Wilmington; great grandchildren: Reece, Carter, Alivia, Miley, Lexi, Makayla, Jackson, Gavin, Lucas, Mason and Evelyn; one brother, Jack (Kathie) Benson of North Fort Myers, Florida; one sister-in-law, Lori Spangler of Rock Island; nieces and nephews: Sheryl (LeDarcy) DaRosa of Downers Grove, Jane (Jeff) Bonick of St. Pete Beach, Florida, Jimmy Benson of Atlanta, Georgia and Tom (Vicky) Spangler of Wilmington, and one special cousin, Rachel Riley of Chicago.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Roy in infancy; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Joseph Grover and Mary Angela (Baskerville) Spangler;  her special aunt, Sr. Leonidas Wright; one brother-in-law, James Spangler; sister-in-law, Mary K. Spangler and a dear cousin, Mary Riley.

A private family visitation was held with graveside services presided by Deacon Jay Plese from St. Rose Parish.

Burial was in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were Mike Spangler, Rick Spangler, Brian Spangler, Dan Morris, Rob Park and Ben Ingram.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Pat’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, IL 60481.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Pat’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)