Robert W. Bob Spanel, 87, of Omaha, NE, formerly of Grand Island, died Monday, August 29, 2016, at Bergan Mercy Medical Center, in Omaha, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 3, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Marys Cathedral. The Rev. James R. Golka, Rev. Richard L. Piontkowski Jr., Rev. Raymond M. Kosmicki, Rev. Hubert J. Spanel, and Rev. Donald A. Buhrman. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the United Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Navy Honor Team. Visitation will be Friday, September 2, 2016, from 4 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Curran Funeral Chapel in Grand Island, NE is assisting the family. More details will appear later. Bob was born July 3, 1929, on the family farm 10 miles east of Anselmo, NE. He was the son of Frank Jr. and Caroline (Knoell) Spanel Survivors of his immediate family include his wife, Phyllis Spanel of Omaha, NE Five sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Sara Spanel of Omaha, NE Dave and Jan Spanel of Lincoln, NE Marty and Darcy Spanel of Grand Island, NE Jim and Ronda Spanel of Norfolk, NE Shawn and Karen Spanel of Elkhorn, NE Two daughters and sons-in-law, Jody and Doug Hughes of Omaha, NE Shelly and Jim Mitchell of Lincoln, NE Two brothers and a sister-in-law, Victor Spanel of Santa Ana, CA Francis Andy and Patricia Spanel of Heber Springs, AK Others left to cherish his memory include 19 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Bob began his education in Custer County, rural Bell and Gates schools. His family moved to Broken Bow, NE in 1938 where he graduated from Broken Bow High School, as a member of the National Honor Society in May of 1947. He began his service to his country in April of 1949 at the U.S. Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA, then to the U.S. Naval Technical Training Center, Memphis, TN; Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit, Pacific, Naval Air Station, San Diego, CA, then to Carrier Air Group, one hundred one (101), U.S.S. Boxer (CV-21); attack Squadron Fifty Five (VA-55). This was his first Korean duty service; Composite Squadron Thirty Five (VC-35). His second tour of duty U.S.S. Essex (CV- 9). He was awarded; The United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with five (5) engagement stars, China Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged March 28, 1953. He then returned to Grand Island, NE. He began working for Holiday Manufacturing Company as an operator of an Injection Molding Machine. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Lewandowski on February 20, 1954, at St. Marys Cathedral in Grand Island, NE. Bob and Phyllis lived in Grand Island where they raised their seven children. Through the G. I. Bill, Bob began on the job training for the tool and die profession. In 1969 U.S. Industries of New York City purchased and built Leon Plastics, in Alda, NE. Bob held the title of Plant Superintendent Plant Manager, National Sales and Engineering Manager retiring in 1993 after 43 years of work. He was an active member of St. Marys Cathedral, serving on the Parish Council and Parish Board, Usher, and Social Committee. He was a Religious Education instructor, helping with fund raising projects, St. Marys Cathedral Funeral Choir, Eucharist Minister to the home bound, and life member of Knights of Columbus Council 1159. He and his wife Phyllis were members of St. Marys Cathedral, couples bible study group for over 40 years. He volunteered at St. Francis Medical Center, a member of Society of Plastic Engineers, and a life time member of V.F.W. His wife Phyllis, his children, and his grandchildren, were the love of his life. He was proud of the work ethic he passed to his seven children, encouraging each to have a paper route at a young age to save money for college. He was extremely proud that they were givers not takers. He was a good provider and made sure all his children had a good Catholic education at Central Catholic High School and each continuing their education at college. He was a quiet man, a very loyal and hard worker who loved his job. He was a respected boss, kind, patient, never losing his cool. He could fix anything. His wish was to be remembered as a person who respected his fellow man and set a strong example for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Clark Spanel, two brothers, Lawrence and Phillip, a sister Louise Spanel. Memorials are suggested to Clark Spanel Memorial Scholarship Fund or to St. Marys Cathedral. Thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Bobs obituary. Visitation

Friday, September 2, 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Curran Funeral Chapel 3005 South Locust Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801

Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Service

Saturday, September 3, 2016 10:00 AM

St. Mary's Cathedral 112 S. Cedar Grand Island, Nebraska 68801