Whitewater Makers president, former Fort newspaper editor’s husband Pete Spangler dies

By Kim McDarison 

Peter Anthony Spangler, 66, longtime resident of Fort Atkinson and native of Johnson Creek, died unexpectedly Tuesday, March 22, in his home. 

Spangler was a well-known and familiar face in Fort Atkinson as he attended and supported many community events alongside his wife of 33 years, Chris Spangler, who served as a reporter and editor of the Daily Jefferson County Union for a combined total of over 42 years before retiring in 2020. 

Spangler was also a familiar figure in Whitewater where — after he and Chris purchased the former Whitewater Register building in 2016 — he helped form and became president of Wisconsin Makers, a nonprofit organization providing opportunities to those interested in bringing their product and creative ideas to fruition by utilizing the large warehouse facility and the various tools and machines available inside. 

According to his obituary, Spangler enjoyed planning activities and was especially gratified to be a part of the annual University of Wisconsin-Whitewater spring iron pour, which continues to be held at the Wisconsin Makers building. 

The iron pour offers opportunities to members of the public to create a scratch block design and then observe as a team of UW-Whitewater art students and alumni pour the creations with iron that is melted on site. Iron pour crew members also pour molds of their own works. 

Spangler also served as secretary of the Whitewater Rotary Club. 

His full obituary is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/peter-anthony-spangler/.

Peter Anthony Spangler 

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