David John Spanjers

David J. Spanjers, 76, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on February 27, 2025. He was born October 11, 1948, in Minneapolis to Donald and Mary Spanjers.

Preceded in death by his parents, Dave is survived by his wife, Marian; children John, Mark (Kristen), and Eric (Crystal); grandchildren Wilhelmina, Louise, Eric, Ila, and Odin; and siblings Peg (Bob) Williamson, Linda (Tom) Olson, Mike (Dale Shaw), Jerry (Denise), and Michele (Randy) Cartwright.

Dave worked in steel sales before establishing Spanjers Quality Metal Sales, which he ran until retirement. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era, stationed in Turkey. A 1966 graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis, he was in swimming and drama and had a lifelong love of competition and fun.

Before starting a family, Dave lived with passion—chasing adventure, rock and roll, and the freedom of youth. He worked hard and played hard, never doing anything halfway. But as the years passed, his journey took a profound turn.

Dave’s faith in Jesus changed his life—but it wasn’t something he sought. As his children grew older and began asking questions about God, he read the Bible—not to find truth, but to prove it wrong. Instead, it gripped him, and his life was transformed. He found deeper meaning in faith, family, and purpose. He loved Bible studies and became a man of prayer, lifting up those around him.

Dave was incredibly active. He played broomball, tennis, racquetball, and softball. With family, he played horseshoes, volleyball, and Trivial Pursuit. With his kids, he played basketball and water sports—pulling them skiing, tubing, and kneeboarding. He pushed himself physically, running 16 miles around Big Cormorant Lake, swimming across Pike’s Bay, and biking 50 miles to Park Rapids. A lifelong sports fan, he cheered for the Vikings, Twins, and college basketball. As he got older, he picked up pickleball and found joy watching his grandchildren play. He also loved the outdoors—fishing, bird-watching, deer hunting, snowmobiling, and walking in the woods.

While Big Cormorant Lake was his sanctuary, The Resort was his heart. For over 55 years, the Spanjers family gathered up north for a week each summer, renting out an entire resort. It was a time of pure joy—days filled with basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes, and nights around the bonfire, playing games, sharing stories, and simply being together. Having all his siblings, their kids, and his parents in one place was Dave’s idea of heaven on earth. Those weeks at The Resort were some of his happiest moments, surrounded by the people he loved most.

One of his favorite places to be was on the deck at Big Cormorant Lake. Mornings were for tea, his Bible, and prayer. Evenings were for a beer, grilling burgers, hosting friends and family, and taking pontoon rides. His home at the lake was his sanctuary, a place of peace where he thanked God for the many blessings in his life.

Dave had a quick wit and loved to banter. His one-liners and teasing brought laughter. He was a people person—fun-loving, yet deeply sensitive. He cared for others, feeling their joys and pains. His care extended beyond words—he spent quiet mornings in prayer for family, friends, and those in need.

If you’re reading this, most likely, he prayed for you too.

Visitation will be held for David on Friday, March 14th, 2025, at David-Donehower Funeral Home from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, March 15th, 2025, at Lakes Area Vineyard Church beginning with visitation at 11am and formal services at Noon.