Spencer Broton

   Spencer James Broton, age 70, died March 23, 2024 at his home in West Fargo, ND, of complications from a chronic neurodegenerative disorder caused by encephalitis in 2019.  

   Spencer was born November 10, 1953 in Dickinson, ND, the son of James A. and Eleanore (Behm) Broton.  He grew up in New England, ND, where he graduated in 1972.  Spencer received degrees from Lake Region Junior College, Dickinson State College and earned his Master’s degree from Bemidji State University.  He taught 6 grade for 2 years each in Elgin and Mandan ND.  Spencer moved to West Fargo in the fall of 1983, where he taught 6th grade for the next 32 years at South Elementary, L.E. Berger Elementary, and Cheney Middle School.  Spencer retired in 2015 and continued to work as a substitute teacher until 2018. 

   Spencer married Sheila Goergen, a fellow West Fargo educator, on November 23, 1984.  James was born in 1988 and Megan was born in 1993. 

   Spencer loved his family and friends dearly.  He loved to talk!  He had an engaging personality and often made new friends wherever he went. People have described Spencer as a good man, generous, kind, helpful, trustworthy, and funny.  He was truly one of a kind and formed unique relationships and lasting impressions with each individual person in his life.  Spencer stayed in regular contact with his siblings, Steve and Maureen, his cousin Jeff, aunts Loraine and Marie, and countless friends including Tim and Bob.  Spencer was especially close to his friends Gary and Darrel, who would go for coffee/tea with him almost daily.  Darrel and his wife Lois have been part of the Broton family for 40 years, sharing all holidays and family events. 

   Spencer was passionate about the Vikings, TWINS, and also enjoyed watching other sports.  He coached youth sports in his earlier years and high school girls’ basketball during his earlier teaching career.  He was the head girls’ varsity basketball coach at WFHS for three years, from the fall of 1983 to 1985.  Spencer enjoyed working as a sports announcer with Larry Lubben and others for local high school basketball games for several years.  He coached Jim and Megan’s youth soccer teams and was their biggest supporter during their middle and high school tennis matches.  In his younger years, Spencer enjoyed jogging.  In his later years, he biked, swam, and stayed as active as he could.  He continued to go to the Wellness Center until recently.

   Spencer loved dogs.  He grew up with black labs named Duke and Barf.  Later in life he had two beloved family dogs:  Scottie and Jackson.  After Jackson passed, Spencer spent time with his grand-fur-children: Griffin, Mylo, and Max (the only cat he ever liked).

   Spencer loved history.  He devoured books and documentaries about WWII and the Civil War; he greatly admired    Abraham Lincoln.  Social Studies was his favorite subject to teach.  He was proud to share a birthday with Martin Luther, a pioneer for Protestantism and educating the masses.  He shared his love for education with his children and supported both Jim and Megan when they attained their masters’ degrees.  Spencer viewed education as a way to give something back to humanity.

   Spencer loved music.  He enjoyed trombone growing up.  He enjoyed attending Megan’s orchestra concerts, as well as the Concordia Christmas Concert.  Some of his favorite artists included the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Moody Blues.  His all-time favorite song was “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes.

Spencer embraced his Norwegian heritage.  He collected Norwegian trolls, gag gifts, and clothing.  He dressed up for Syttende Mai (Norwegian constitution day) every year at school.  He signed emails “tusen takk” (a thousand thanks). He was very proud of the Broton Blacksmith Shop that his Norwegian great-grandfather founded in 1885.

   Spencer is survived by his wife Sheila, son James (Sara) Broton, and daughter Megan (Adam) Haskins, all of West Fargo, brother Steve (Judy) Broton, Reedsburg, WI, sister Maureen (David) Jones, Plymouth, MN, and numerous extended family members.   Spencer was preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Eleanore Broton, and infant brother Scott. 

In lieu of flowers, family would prefer memorials be used for West Fargo Education Foundation or Cheney Middle School Orchestra Program.

Visitation:  Monday, April 22, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Time Of Sharing: Monday, April 22, 2024 from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Memorial Service: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Lutheran Church of the Cross, West Fargo, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center
westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Spencer Broton, please visit our floral store.