Alphonse Howard "Bob" Spooner passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was a wonderful Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Son and Friend. A life well lived, Bob was 99 years "Young at Heart".

Bob was born in Shelby, Montana to Agnes (Haworth) and Alphonse Spooner on June 3, 1927. He was the oldest brother of Vivian, Juanita (Nita) and Barry. Bob was a true Montana boy and grew up hunting and fly fishing in the beautiful Montana wilderness. Bob was truly in his element getting back to his roots any chance he could and loved taking his family on annual road trips to Shelby to visit cousins, aunts, and uncles. He could name the county of any Montana license plate well into his later years. He attended many "Montana picnics" in Arizona and would always have a connection to several people. One of his nieces said to Bob on his last day that in her opinion, Uncle Bob "was the one who kept the Spooner clan together" by making the effort of travel to make the gatherings happen. Our family is thankful for that priority in his heart because it allowed us to form close relationships with our cousins, and those trips are some of the happiest of our collective childhoods.

Bob lived a life of service to his family, his community, and to his country. He served in the Merchant Marines in 1945 and in the Army Air Corp from 1945-1948. He was a member of the 22nd Bomb Group in Okinawa, Japan as an aircraft mechanic on the B-29 bombers, despite being trained for military police in basic training. Bob played football for the 22nd Bomb Group and was proud of the work done on the B-29's. Bob felt lucky to be included in the May 2017 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. which was a "trip of a lifetime" for him. Several of our family joined him on this special journey and learned new things about his earlier years.

Bob served his community gladly. He was active in the Williston Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 1984. He was a member of the American Legion, and a life member the Elks Lodge. He was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church for nearly 50 years and achieved Fourth Degree rank in the Knights of Columbus.

Above all, Bob served his family. Bob married his high school sweetheart Maureen Callan in 1953 and together they raised 5 sons and 1 daughter. Bob worked with National Supply Company as Field and District Salesman and eventually Well Control Manager for 31 years until retirement in 1984. Through Bob's work, the family lived Kevin, MT, Cortez, CO, Farmington, NM and eventually settled in Williston ND. Bob and Maureen later moved to Fargo, ND in 2012 to be closer to family. Bob and Maureen shared the gift of hospitality. Their front door was literally always open (and unlocked) and visitors of 1101 could count on a warm welcome and a place at the table. They loved having company and were especially thrilled when family came to visit. Bob's trademark move was to sneak the car of anyone staying with us and fill it up with gas before they left town. He welcomed the chaos of noise that comes with raising a large family. Bob was patient, supportive, and engaged with his family. He would often be found playing checkers, cribbage, hearts, pinochle, Booray, and even Scrabble with anyone who would join. His kids and grandkids learned these games at an early age, and they became a staple at Spooner gatherings. He was famous for his breakfasts which he was willing to whip up at any hour and any occasion.

His love and devotion to Maureen over the years was a beautiful thing to witness, especially in their later years. He was caring, loving, protective and respectful to Mom right through her last day. They were married just a month shy of 70 years before Maureen passed in 2023. His example of unconditional love is a lasting gift to all of us. Bob had a classic flower arrangement he would bring Maureen on special occasions which included 5 red roses and 1 pink rose for their 5 boys and a girl. After Kevin passed, he changed the third rose to yellow but continued his loving tradition.

Bob was a master storyteller and there was always a twinkle in his bright blue eyes when sharing his experiences. Whether you knew him well or not, he would manage to sneak in his famous "wallet story", and there are likely over 1,000 people who know it well. As the grandkids put it, "Grandpa had a story for every occasion, even if some were not the most appropriate", but they brought laughter which was his goal. There is a long list of "Bob-isms" or quotes that his family recalls affectionately. He was famous for responding "And I'm Bob" to anyone who said, "I'm hungry" or "I'm full", which always brought an eye roll and laugh to those around him.

Bob loved hunting and fishing, which served him well, having 5 sons. The Spooner kids grew up thinking it was totally normal to have wild game as the main course for most meals. There are endless hunting stories and photos to go with them. Bob was interested in just about any sporting event in person or on TV. He didn't miss many sporting events for his kids and grandkids and was known for watching many of them through his binoculars.

Bob loved music, especially songs from the Big Band era. He played trumpet in his youth and through the years participated in a barbershop quartet and a harmonica band. He had a lovely singing voice. He sang "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" at his daughter's wedding and "Young at Heart" our last Spooner reunion, which is a special memory. He and Maureen were known to cut up the dance floor and some of our favorite photos are of them dancing.

We were moved these last days to see how much Bob's life affected others, even in his last years. Many staff from Eventide came to share stories and tears in Dad's last days, a testament that he didn't lose his charm right to the end. Our family would like to thank Eventide in Fargo for the wonderful care given to Bob and Maureen during their last years. The entire staff at Eventide became like family and showed Bob love, respect, care, and humor to his last day. Eventide was the site of many celebrations over the last 13 years, including a Tom and Jerry Christmas party, Easter and Thanksgiving dinners, Mom's 90th birthday party, and many anniversary and birthday parties. We were fortunate to celebrate Bob's 99th birthday in June with over 30 family members present. Bob had a great day surrounded by family while he enjoyed his classic birthday meal of a burrito and Budweiser.

Thank you also to HIA Hospice of the Red River Valley for the loving care these last many months. A special shout-out to Diego whose care for Dad was a real ministry that added joy and comfort to his days. We are thankful for the nursing staff, social workers and chaplain for the commitment to Dad's dignity, care and comfort.

Bob is survived by his children: Brian and Janet Spooner (Bismarck, ND), Jay and Jane Spooner (St. Louis Park, MN), Tobin and Joan Spooner (Fargo, ND), Tim and Tracy Spooner (Scottsdale, AZ), and Nan and Chris Kennelly (Fargo, ND); his Grandchildren: Angie and Levi Olsen (Bismarck, ND), Brent Spooner (Bismarck, ND), Allison and Ryan Jasper (Fargo, ND), John Spooner (Flagstaff, AZ), Brady Spooner (Mandan, ND), Jared and Lucy Spooner (Bismarck, ND), Elizabeth and Tim Dunn (Malta, NY), Patrick and Catherine Spooner (Glenmont, NY), Adam and Caitlin Spooner (St. Louis Park, MN), Sierra Norman (Boston, MA), Justin Spooner and Anna Lehn (Minneapolis, MN), Drew Spooner (Washington DC), Morgan Spooner (Scottsdale, AZ), Callan Spooner (Phoenix, AZ), Reid Spooner (Scottsdale, AZ), Dylan Spooner (Phoenix, AZ), Lydia Kennelly (Bismarck, ND) and Ryan Kennelly, (Mandan, ND); and his great-grandchildren: Bergen, Lucas, Marcus, Bennett, Alec, Braxton, Aspen, Gavin, Nora, Madeline, Henry, Evelyn, Maureen, Sean, Rose, George and Michelle. He is also survived by his sister Nita Hasquet (Missoula, MT) and half-brothers John Spooner (Brattleboro, VT) and Raymond Spooner (Helena, MT).

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Maureen; his son, Kevin; infant granddaughter, Andrea; his mother, Agnes; his father, Alphonse; his sister, Vivian; and brother-in-law, Bud Peters; his brother-in-law, Bob Hasquet; and his brother, Barry and sister-in-law, Patsy.

Our family put forth these words inspired by Bob's life: family man, generous, devoted, supportive, welcoming, playful, wise, humble, gentle, stubborn, integrity, patient, steady, faithful, never complaining, loving, and irreplaceable. We will miss his big hugs, big heart, closed-fist-thumbs-up, the hand squeezes, playful jabs, bolo tie formal wear, Tom and Jerry's at Christmas, watching sports together, and his bright blue eyes. We are thankful to be a part of his legacy.

Service Information:
Thursday, October 15th at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo, ND - Visitation from 5-7, Rosary at 6:45pm, Vigil Service at 7 pm.
Friday, October 16th at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo, ND - Visitation from 9:00am-10:00am with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am.

Both services will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, Knights of Columbus (Williston Council 1798 and Assembly 1821), HIA Hospice of the Red River Valley or Eventide Fargo (https://eventide.networkforgood.com/projects/180156-support-eventide).

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND.