Don M. Spangrud

A funeral service for Don M. Spangrud will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Oxford, Nebraska with Pastor Eric Souer and Pastor Duane Duley officiating. Interment will follow at the Oxford Cemetery in Oxford with Military Honors provided by the Oxford American Legion Post #219 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Don Myron Spangrud, 95 years of age, of Kearney, Nebraska, formerly of Oxford, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney. Don was born in Karlstad, Minnesota, on January 13, 1931, to Carl and Ella (Mortenson) Spangrud. Don was baptized and confirmed at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Karlstad. He attended grade school in Karlstad and Halma area and graduated from Karlstad High School in 1949.

On October 21, 1949, Don enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea in 1950 and 1951. While in Korea, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with five battle stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean War Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on October 23, 1952.

On May 7, 1956, Don was united in marriage to Jean A. Spangrud at Rapid City, South Dakota. The couple was blessed with four children: Kathy Joy, Kristy Jean, Jay Don, and Jeffrey Norien. The family made their home in Oxford, where he was in partnership with his father and brother in an IHC Implement Business. In 1958, he started the Spangrud Oil Company, located in Oxford, and built a Sinclair Service Station, which later became Oxford Tires Inc. Don served as the corporation's president. Don and his wife Jean operated the Oil company for approximately 40 years with the help of their son Jay until their retirement. In 2005, they moved to their new condo in Kearney.

Don served on the Oxford School Board, City Town Board, Better Buys Board of Directors, Hospital Board, and held various offices at St. John's Lutheran Church. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was actively involved in Turkey Days in Oxford. Additionally, Don was part owner of the International Print Company in Phoenix, Arizona.

When not hauling fuel, Don enjoyed playing golf with his friends in Oxford and in Kearney. He loved to hunt deer and pheasants over the past years with his son Jay and friends. In later years, Jean and he spent winters in their home in Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean in 2015; one daughter, Kristy Jean Spangrud; three sisters: Beverly Spilde (Severin); Elmae Johnson; and Carolee Mock; one brother, Charles Spangrud; one nephew, Tom Davis; and one brother-in-law, Fred Gliden.

Don is survived by his daughter, Kathy Weidner (Jerry) of Burwell, Nebraska; two sons: Jay Spangrud (Silver) of Oxford; and Jeff Spangrud of Omaha, Nebraska; five grandchildren: Sara Tichota (Tony) of Lincoln, Nebraska; Brady Nantkes (Tamra) of Lincoln; Sydney, Faith, Levi, and Saige Spangrud of Omaha; four great-grandchildren: Alexander and Drake Tichota; and Brynlee and Deacon Nantkes; one brother, Ellkay Spangrud (Evelyn) of Kaklstad, Minnesota; sisters: Janice Gliden of Hallock, Minnesota; Judy Mock (Dennis) of Bismark, North Dakota; brother-in-law, Jerry Mock of Lisbon, North Dakota; Special friends: Howard and Barb Brayton; Norma Schluntz; Deryl Parsons; Gary Hall; and Mary Eman; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford.

A memorial has been established in Don's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.