About This Memory Space
This page was created for David Lee Spanke's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor David Lee Spanke's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew David Lee Spanke. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
David Lee Spanke lived with an unquenchable enthusiasm that turned everyday moments into celebrations, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered through his sharp wit, boundless talents, and unwavering loyalty.
Born in Indianapolis to Theodore and Rose Anna Spanke, David grew up on the city's eastside, forging enduring bonds at Holy Spirit Catholic School and Cathedral High School. Embracing his family's Boilermaker spirit, he earned a degree in Building Construction Technology from Purdue University in 1986. There, in West Lafayette, he found his soulmate, Margaret 'Peggy' Loeffler, building a 43-year marriage filled with adventure. After time in the Chicago area, they returned to Indiana in 1993, where David's passions flourished: cheering at over 50 Indy 500 races, rooting for the Colts, Pacers, and Boilers, and diving into music, photography, and a thriving collection of over 100 houseplants. A natural entertainer, he lit up parties, rocked costumes at Halloween and Santacon, and crafted the innovative RAVR device alongside annual Christmas compilation CDs that friends anticipated eagerly. His versatile skills and infectious joy made him the cleverest, most amusing presence in any gathering.
David thrived in commercial construction, excelling as a cost estimator in his later roles while venturing into his own specialized business. His technical expertise from Purdue's Building Construction Technology program fueled practical innovations, like the RAVR music project, blending his love for sound with inventive problem-solving that delighted his circle.
Photos of David's Life
Family & Loved Ones
David poured his energy into nurturing close ties, sharing 43 joyful years with Peggy, his wife and constant companion, and cherishing their daughter Katherine 'Kate' Spanke with unwavering pride. His sisters Jane Walker and Mary Ellen Boerner (with Chris), along with a host of nieces and nephews, benefited from his playful spirit and steadfast support, creating a web of connections marked by lively gatherings and heartfelt loyalty.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from David's wide network capture a man whose humor and ingenuity brightened countless lives, with recurring notes on his party-hosting flair, musical gifts, and the way he made every interaction memorable.
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