David Anthony Spanke, 80, of Monroe, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2017. He was born May 29, 1936, in Warren, MI, to the late Jacob and Helen Wellersley Spanke. Mr. Spanke retired from Carbet Corporation, where he was a machinist. He enjoyed racing motorcycles and was a former State Champion in motorcycle racing in Michigan. Upon retirement, he enjoyed horseshoes and placed second in the event in the Senior Games. He was a member of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church in Monroe. Mr. Spanke is survived by his wife, Emilie Spanke, seven children, eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his family members in Michigan. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 4, 2017, in Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. The family will visit with friends and relatives in the church fellowship hall following the committal. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina, 1920 W. First Street-Suite 5541 A, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 or Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, 1106 West Sandy Ridge Road, Monroe, NC 28112.