Jonathan Spurbeck

Jonathan “Jon” “Grizz” Hugh Spurbeck, 70, passed away on March 3, 2026

A Celebration of Life will be held in the activities room at Janet’s apartment complex on March 14, 2026 from 1:00-6:00PM. 5500 Boone Ave N, New Hope MN 55428

A funeral service will be held at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter on March 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will take place at Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager, MN at 1:00PM.

Jonathan was born on October 4, 1955, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to George and Dorothy (Brown) Spurbeck. He spent the first few years of his life in Iowa before his family moved to Springfield, Illinois, and later settled in Macomb, Illinois. Jon attended a revival service where he met the love of his life, Janet Roberts. The two were married on June 30, 1973, beginning a devoted and loving marriage.

Shortly after their marriage, Jon and Janet moved to Minnesota so he could attend North Central Bible College. Throughout his working years, Jonathon was known as a dedicated and hardworking man. He worked many years as a janitor at Methodist Hospital and the University of Minnesota Hospital, spent time on the assembly line at Sauer-Sundstrand, and later owned his own delivery company.

In 2006, Jon and Janet moved to Pillager, Minnesota, where he enjoyed being surrounded by the pine trees he loved so much. Jon had a curious and creative spirit and enjoyed working with his hands. He loved fixing cars, tinkering with projects, and building model cars, trains, and airplanes. He was also known for his detailed handiwork in counted cross-stitch and Swedish weaving.

Jon was active in church life and especially enjoyed helping with Royal Rangers, a boys’ program through the church. He enjoyed his time in FCF (A frontiersman camping group,) on the MN state board for Royal Rangers, volunteering at Lake Placid Campground (The woods at Lake Placid,) and wrote a play for the Royal Rangers statewide campout. One of his favorite summertime traditions was helping with local displays of fireworks. He was especially known for the large displays at Madden’s on Gull Lake.

Above all, Jon was a man of deep faith and love for his family. His life was a quiet but powerful testimony of what it means to follow Jesus and care for others. He loved his wife, Janet, faithfully throughout their many years together and poured unconditional love into each of his children. He was known for his gentle spirit — someone who loved first, listened before reacting, stood up for what was right, and always made sure everyone felt included. He was a steady sounding board for those who needed guidance and a patient listener who offered wisdom through his kindness.

He also passed along many passions to his family, including a shared love of cars and working with their hands. More than anything, he showed his children what it looked like to live a life rooted in faith, humility, and love.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Spurbeck; his children, Jennifer (Peter) Omosebi, Jason Spurbeck, Jonathan II (Sara) Spurbeck, and Joanna (Nathan) Black; his grandchildren, Matthew, Mackenzie, Owen, Jason Jr., Destiny, Landis, Amelia, Brecken, and William; his siblings, Georgia Squier, Rod (Janet) Spurbeck, and Dan (Rebecca) Spurbeck; siblings-in-law Carol Haney, Linda (Sam) Hays, and John (Jolene) Roberts; Brenda Roberts; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy Spurbeck; his parents-in-law, Mildred and Frank Roberts; his grandchild, Elijah; and his brother-in-law, Larry Squier.

Jon will be deeply missed by those who loved him. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now in the arms of Jesus, free from pain and suffering, and at peace in heaven. His legacy of faith, love, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of his family for generations to come.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.