Linda Faye (Mason) Spangenberg, age 83, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of December 25, 2025, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Illinois, surrounded by loved ones.
Linda was born at home on May 29, 1942, in Erwin, North Carolina, to Jesse and Nettie Mason, and moved with her family to Norfolk, Virginia, early in her childhood. There, she graduated from Norfolk High School and later attended James Madison University. Early in her career, Linda worked in banking, where her professionalism and attention to detail carried her to the role of secretary to the president of the Bank of Virginia.
On December 13, 1969, she married Frank A. Spangenberg III, a career naval officer who later retired as a U.S. Navy captain. Together they embarked on a life shaped by Navy service and work in the nuclear industry. Linda’s life took her from Virginia to Connecticut, Washington state, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and back again to Washington state—creating a home wherever life and service led them. In 1985, they settled in central Illinois, where Linda built a long and meaningful life in Decatur, Pontiac, and Bloomington.
Linda was a faithful Christian for more than 50 years. Her faith quietly guided her life, relationships, and resilience through both joy and hardship. It shaped her sense of grace, service, and enduring hope, and remained a steady source of strength throughout her life. Over the years, she found community and fellowship in several church homes, including Lake Tapps Community Church in Washington state, Pontiac Bible Church, and Eastview Christian Church in Normal.
Throughout her life, across years and miles, Linda remained closely connected to her communities and the lives of those she loved. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler and once even knocked down the difficult 7-10 split. She found joy in crocheting, volunteering, participating in both group and individual Bible study, and supporting her sons with a mother’s quiet pride.
Linda was a deeply loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by three of her four sons and daughters-in-law: Mark (Theresa), Scott (Paulette), Kirk (Sallie), and Renee, widow of her son Frank. She is also survived by her grandchildren and their spouses: Kent, Christopher (Vanessa), Kailey (CJ), Kristen, Kalysa, Ellie, Sarah Mason, and Gus; and by her great-grandchildren: Layla, Lynnlee, Lincoln, and Lexi. Linda is further survived by her siblings: David Mason, Marilyn Kizina, and Carolyn Edwards.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 56 years, Frank A. Spangenberg III; her beloved son Frank A. Spangenberg IV; and her parents, Jesse Mason and Nettie Mason-Greenough.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, where Linda’s ashes will be interred beside her husband, Frank, as she was in life and is now in heaven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Linda’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse, reflecting her desire to see the love of Christ shared through service to others.
Linda will be remembered for her quiet strength, grace, devotion to family, and her remarkable gift for creating a sense of home wherever life placed her.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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