Frederick O. Spahn

Frederick O. Spahn, 94, a longtime Big Springs business man, died Wednesday, September 30, 2015, in the Sedgwick County Memorial Nursing Home in Julesburg, CO.

Fred was born July 28, 1921 in a sod house on the family homestead northwest of Arthur, NE. His parents were Otto and Hannah (Porter) Spahn.

In 1939, Fred attended The Opportunity School in Denver, Colo. where he took automotive courses. Upon completion, he returned to Ogallala where he worked for Scott Motors and Hayford Motors.

Fred and Jean (Palu) met on a blind date in the autumn of 1941 and were married on October 9, 1942.

In September, 1942, Fred enlisted in the Navy. During WWII, he served on board the USS Kennebec AO-36, a tanker, in the Atlantic and the USS 932, a tank landing ship, in the Pacific. He had earned the rank of Baker, First Class before receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in November, 1945.

After being discharged, Fred and Jean moved to Big Springs where they opened Spahn Body Shop. Over the years, the business underwent several changes and eventually evolved into Spahn Marine. After selling the business to Trish and Matt Meyer, Fred continued working at the shop and is well known for the promotional ads he did for Spahn Marine.

Fred was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Illinois LST Association. He was also a member of the Ogallala Chamber of Commerce and Lake Committee where he was involved in activities promoting tourism for Lake McConaughy.

Preceding him in death are Jean Spahn (wife), Arietta Yates (sister), Clara Abts (sister), William Spahn (brother), and an infant brother.

Survivors include his children: John (Linda) Spahn of Las Vegas, Nev., Nancy Spahn of Fontanelle, Nebr., and Trish (Matt) Meyer of Big Springs, Nebr.; and one granddaughter Carmen Robinson and her daughters Cortney and Cayleigh, of Becker, Minn.

Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Draucker Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. in Draucker Funeral Home with Pastor Carl Brandt officiating. The Service will be streamed live from our website and may be watched by clicking on the "Watch Live" button, for those unable to attend.

Following the Service, interment will be in the Arthur Cemetery with military honors by the Keith County Veterans Organization and the US Navy. Online Condolences may be sent by clicking on the Guest Book tab above. A memorial has been established to the Arthur Community Building Fund.   

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

 Service Information