Dr. Leon F. "Span" Spanbauer, age 81 of Wilmington,IL and formerly of Coal City and Varna, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 12, 1941 in Glassport, PA to Joseph A. and Rhoda L. (nee Ranta) Spanbauer.  He grew up in Pennsylvania, later attending St. Vincent's College and Loyola School of Dentistry. Span married Vonda Hanson on July 15, 1967 in Maywood, IL and together they raised a family of three sons. He opened his Coal City dental practice in 1971 and retired in 1999. After retirement, Span worked at the Edgewood Golf Course in McNabb. He was an avid golfer and also enjoyed hunting, fishing and stained glass projects.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vonda Spanbauer; their sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Tori Spanbauer, Jeff and Amy Spanbauer and Greg and Stephanie Spanbauer; 8 grandchildren, Samantha and her husband Conner Sayers, Joey Spanbauer, Michaela Spanbauer, Brenden Spanbauer, Abigail Spanbauer, Wyatt Spanbauer, Aidan Bankovic and Andrew Bankovic; 1 great-grandson, Paul Sayers; his step-sister, Maggie Tyszkiewicz; his brother-in-law, John Hanson and his sister-in-law, Rosemarie Hanson. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Spanbauer and Rhoda Spanbauer Kurta.

At his request, cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer.

Memorials in Dr. Spanbauer's name may be directed to the Grundy County Animal Control, 310 East Dupont Road, Morris, IL 60450.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements.