Dr. Alan Michael Spurgin, age 69, went to Heaven on April 24 at Luther Memorial Nursing Home in Madelia, MN.

A service of thanksgiving for Dr. Spurgin's faith in his Savior will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Chapel of the Christ at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 11:00 a.m. also at the Chapel of the Christ.

Alan "Al" Spurgin was born on February 4, 1949 in Medford, Wisconsin to Lloyd and LaVerne Spurgin.  He graduated from Medford High School and went on to Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he earned his degree in teaching. Al touched many lives by teaching children of all ages. He taught grade school at St. John's in Watertown, WI (1971-1974) and soon after, received a call to teach grades 5 & 6 at Good Shepherd Lutheran School in West Allis, WI (1974-1987). While teaching in West Allis, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he earned his Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  Al then received a call to St. Peter Lutheran School in Balaton, MN (1987-1992) where he taught grades 1 through 8 in a one room school.  Al then received a call to Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN (1992-2017). After accepting the call to DMLC he taught grades 5 & 6 at St. Paul's Lutheran School in New Ulm, MN. While in New Ulm, he attended the University of South Dakota-Vermillion to further his education and pursue his Doctorate in Special Education. Also at DMLC, Al supervised student teachers and later moved to the Special Education Department at MLC after receiving his Doctorate degree from the University of South Dakota-Vermillion.

During his lifetime, Al greatly enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting with friends and family, especially fishing with his grandchildren. He loved "going up to school" to teach and was known among countless students and faculties for his Christian concern and willingness to help anyone. He was also well-known for his numerous jokes and puns.

Al is lovingly survived by his wife, Gerane of New Ulm, MN; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jason and Dinah Spurgin of New Ulm, MN, and Jeremy and Katherine Spurgin of Worthington, MN; two daughters Jennifer and Alexis of New Ulm, MN; four grandchildren, Madelyn, Brendon, Marah, and Liam Spurgin; two sisters, Harriet (Roger) Flashinski of Roseville, MN, and Nancy Spurgin of New Ulm, MN; and many nieces and nephews. He and his wife Gerane also devoted much of their time caring for over one hundred foster children.

Alan "Al" Spurgin was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and LaVerne; two brothers Harlan and David, and one sister LaNae.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the St. Paul's Lutheran school improvement fund, Martin Luther College, or to a cause of your choice.