Pamela McGee
August 22, 1964 ~ January 19, 2022
Pam's Live Streamed Memorial Service can be viewed above starting at 1:30 P.M. (we are reliant on the churches wi-fi signal and if something happens to that signal, we are recording the service and it will be uploaded to our website shortly after the service):
Pamela Ann McGee set a final goal and, as usual, exceeded that goal. She was here to enjoy “the Perfect Christmas” with family and friends after months of determined prayer, asking God for the time to celebrate one last holiday season. Pam passed early in the morning on January 19th, surrounded by her loving family at home, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Pam’s adventure began at Buffalo Memorial Hospital in Mondovi, Wisconsin on August 22, 1964, where she was born to Dean and Sally (Sessions) McGee. She and her sister (Susie) were raised in Mondovi by their parents, Grandmother (Hilda), and many other members of Pam’s large, beloved extended family.
Pam was a lifelong learner and deeply passionate about education. She graduated valedictorian from Mondovi High School in 1982, received her bachelor’s degree from UW La Crosse, M.B.A. from UND, and earned several certificates of education from the Harvard and Wharton Schools of Business.
Pam never planned on marrying, having children, or owning a home. Those plans changed when she met a coworker at Dayton’s named Scott Spanjer, who just so happened to be the love of her life. They married on April 9, 2001, in a castle in Biggar, Scotland, shortly after buying a home together in Fargo, ND. Together, the pair had two children: Isaac (21) and Erika (18). Pam’s children were her greatest achievement; they brought her the greatest joys of her life. She was truly a wonderful mother; always surrounding her family with love, providing them with a variety of extraordinary life experiences, and establishing a strong foundation for the incredible accomplishments she knows they will achieve on their own journeys.
Pam was born with tremendous leadership skills, which she put to use both at her place of work and in her community. She began her career at Dayton’s Department Store and the Blue Moose Restaurant in Grand Forks, followed by a job at Great Plains Software. She went on to climb the corporate ladder all the way to the position of Senior Director at Microsoft, a career that took her to five continents, twenty-two countries, and almost every US state. In 2007, Pam took a position as an Associate Professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead, eventually rising to Department Chair and Vice President of Academic Innovation and Engagement. She found great purpose and joy in the classroom with her students, shaping the next generation of change agents in her image. In spite of her illness, she managed to balance chemo with her busy teaching schedule for two full years.
1 Corinthians 13:13 perfectly describes Pam’s mantra for life. She had faith, she had hope, and she had love. She was a longtime-member, chair of many committees, and church president at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo. Her unshakable faith was and is a reminder of the incredible power of prayer and that through God, “We’ve Got This!”
Pam’s legacy of love and compassion will live on through those who she affectionately called “The Pack”: her husband Scott; children Isaac and Erika; parents Dean and Sally McGee; sister Susie (Dennis) Segerstrom; sister-in-law Kathy Spanjer (Duane Lillehaug); brothers-in-law Larry (Denise) Spanjer and Mike (Marie) Spanjer; nephews Derick Segerstrom, Dominick (Kelsey) Segerstrom, Kevin Lillehaug, and Arnold Spanjer; niece Olivia Segerstrom; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and scores of remarkable friends. In heaven, she reunited with her grandparents Art and Hilda Sessions and Jack and Rhodie McGee, as well as her mother- and father-in-law Al and Norma Spanjer and sister-in-law Michelle Spanjer.
Pam and her family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Pastor Nancy Monke, Drs. Mark Gitau and Amit Panwalker, the care team at Sanford Hospice and Roger Maris, and her many friends and loved ones for all the calls, cards, food, and beautiful memories she shared with them during her courageous fight.
A visitation gathering will begin at noon on Saturday, January 22nd at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Per Pam’s request, masks required at all services; vaccines highly encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, or a charity of your choice.
A private burial and celebration of life will follow later in Mondovi.
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Dearest Pam. May you RIP in heaven. You will be sorely missed.
Pam you were an inspiration to everyone. You will surely be missed. As the saying goes. God only takes the best. Hugs and prayers for you all 🙏
I send my condolences to Pam’s family. May she rest in piece.
Pam was an amazing person. Her passion will live on through all that she touched and inspired. She is missed.
When I see the word “Comments” in this box, I am suddenly speechless. I have always felt a bit intimidated by Pam, I know she wouldn’t be comfortable with that, but I thought she was so incredibly brilliant. Book smart, but common sense smart as well. Witty, fun, and always ready to help in any situation presented to her. For those closest to her, I can’t imagine your pain. But if I know Pam, the last thing she would want is for anyone to be sad. Cherish the memories, honor her life by living yours to the fullest, she would want it that way. Hugs to all.
Our dearest Pam, your spirit, hope, curiosity, and humor will be deeply missed. Scott, Isaac, Erika, and Pam’s entire family – I hope you feel the love and prayers surrounding you. With deep sadness, Kevin and Kathy
I first met Pam as a young, aspiring, female in leadership while I lived in Fargo. She was a mentor & an inspiration to me during the 35U35 program. She has helped me on so many levels in my career. A one of a kind human that will be missed by many.
Rest In Peace, my friend.
The heavens received an angel today and the world is a little less bright than yesterday. Prayers to Pam’s family. She will be greatly missed by so many.
I will miss this amazing human!! My heart is truly broken! ❤️
Pam was probably the most positive person I have ever met. She was my favorite professor at MSUM. From the moment I met her, I knew I would have an excellent experience. She was always available if I had a question or needed advice. She ended most conversations and classes with “you’ve got this”. I find myself saying this to my own children and others as it is a phrase that can have big impact. My condolences to Pam’s family and dear friends.
Pam
You were my mentor, you challenged me, you helped me become a better version of myself.
Prayers for you and your beautiful family
Our hearts are heavy for the Spanger family. But we celebrate Pam’s life and the impact she had on the lives she touched – and she touched many. May you find peace on the memories of this beautiful person with an even more beautiful soul. May you find comfort in knowing that Pam would want you to lift up her loved ones in prayer now and in the days to come.
A truly kind and remarkable person who cared deeply for her students and colleagues. It was my privilege and fortune to have known her.
Rest In Peace my beautiful niece you’ll be missed….Love Uncle Bill and Aunt Betty
I enjoyed working with Pam at MSUM until I retired in 2014. I loved her drive, and her passion for our students. I’m sad that we’ve lost a great leader and teacher.
Psalm 91.
Our most sincere condolences to The McGee Family.
Kate & John Ellis
Austin, Texas
(Ricky Sessions)
I am a better person, because of the time that I was fortunate to spend with Pam at Great Plains Software. Her encouragement gave me confidence, her smile was a light for all that met her. She left an indelible mark on everyone she met and is missed.
My prayers for the family and friends at this time. May God’s shilom peace be with you in the days ahead.
I worked with Pam and Great Plains, she was always such and inspiration to everyone and a great mentor. Pam, what will this world do without you, you leadership and your kindness to all.
You will truly be missed.
Scott, so sorry for your loss, she was a special lady.
Scott, Isaak, Erika and “The Pack,” Pam made a difference. I know great things will continue to manifest from those she taught and from both Isaak and Erika. They are both already doing amazing feats in their young lives – molded in their mom’s values and ethics. She will be missed. May her memory be a blessing.
I have many memories working with Pam at Great Plains and Microsoft. I always knew there was something special about her. She is an angel that touched many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May your memories give you strength and peace.
Pam was always kind and tremendously competent. As a co-worker, every interaction with her was a good one, and she invested time and energy in anyone around her. She made us all better, without judgement, was a rare person. She will be missed.
We are very sorry for your loss of Pam. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
We meet new people every day. Most of the time they enter and exit our lives without us even noticing. Pam you were the exception to this. I met you in the fall of 2007 to discuss your newly formed Operations Management program at MSUM. I will forever be grateful for the mentorship you have given me.
Rest in peace, Pam. I was blessed to know you.
Scott and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all.
Jason & Anita Skiple and family
It was 13 years ago that I took one of Pam’s classes at MSUM. Her lessons still carry into my work today. She was an excellent professor, compelling speaker, and compassionate leader. Her life will be remembered as someone who made an impact on others.
My sincere sympathy to Pam’s extended family. Thank you to her sister and all that helped her during her final months.
We were lucky to call Pam our niece. Many great memories we have of her. RIP Pam. You will always be loved & missed a lot . Love Uncle Dale & Aunt Rene
Dear Scott, Isaac, and Erika,
I am so very, very sorry. I worked for Pam at MSUM as a department secretary before retiring in June 2020. Whenever we were talking about our families, please know that she always smiled, then spoke lovingly and proudly of all of you!
I knew Pam thru my position at the Chamber, she was part of a wonderful group of women that started Women Connect and she actually chaired the Women Connect committee. There were many things I admired about Pam, but her positivity was one that I admired the most. It was a pleasure working with her, she will certainly leave a void in our community.
Bobbi Rehder
I remember Pam from our good ‘ole days at Dayton’s in Appleton, WI where we first met. Never have I laughed so much!!! Pam was always up to something – could be incredibly serious and incredibly funny – always had a spark and was an amazing leader. We had a lot of good times indeed!
I was so lucky to know you and be able to watch our kids grow together. You’ve always been a ray of sunshine and fun to talk to. You have touched so many lives and will continue to be an influence in our lives.
Scott, Erika and Isaac – What a beautiful person Pam is. This world is truly a better place because of her, and we are so very grateful for having had the opportunity to know her! Loved watching her knock out a hat or scarf during a weekend volleyball tournament. Our heartfelt condolences to you. We will pray for all of you during this difficult time. All our love – Shawn, Nola, Kieran and Brynn McNeally
Pam was a one of a kind, amazing person. So grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her and experience her leadership skills, passion, empathy and skill for making an authentic difference in people’s lives. Her smile, laugh, and caring way will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the pack as you celebrate her life🙏🏻💕
My condolences and prayers to the family. I worked with Pam at Dayton’s Grand Forks. She was so much fun to work with always happy. Keep the memories strong.
Condolences to Scott and family, it’s been a long time since we worked together at Dayton’s, but many fun memories.
Prayers to your family.
Pam Knudson
I worked with Pam at Great Plains\Microsoft, she was one of kind. I always enjoyed taking any training classes she taught at Great Plains, I can imagine she would have been a great professor. I recall going to the CPA conference years after she had left Microsoft and I had the pleasure to reconnect with her and sit through some great sessions she put together that day on leadership. She was truely inspiring and down to earth and will be greatly missed in the education community.
I enjoyed knowing you more than you know. Thanks for being so kind to me at MSUM.
This is Daphne Meyers mother. I am saddened to learn of Pam’s passing. I knew her and Isaac through Daphne. Daphne was waiting at the gates of Heaven for her I’m sure. I will tell you the loss is tremendous but the good memories truly help. Fly hi,Pam snd hug Daphne for me!!
Warm, charming, full of energy and ideas.
I’m shocked to read of your passing. You’ll be missed.
Journey well and continue to shine, Pam.
Pam, I will greatly miss you! May the Lord receive you in heaven!
Pam McGee was my advisor and my favorite professor. I will remember Her for her passion for her students success and more importantly for her inspiration to me and many others to live life to the fullest. May God give You peace! 🙏
Pam was a professor that really cared for her students. I remember how many times she would emphasize calling or emailing or texting with problems that may arise. I was struck at how open to communication she was with her students, and I remember right before graduation she told us how she wanted to keep in contact and hear about all the cool things we were doing out in the world. But not only did she care, she really knew her stuff. She was an expert at what she taught, and I learned many different things from her. Thank you, Pam! You will be missed.
“The Pack” . . . Pam and I taught together at Mayville (ND) State University in the Business and CIS Division for several years. She commuted from Fargo and was the first one to arrive in the morning. She was a remarkable colleague who approached everything with so much enthusiasm, and she was a hit with the students. I had a lot of respect for her and just simply needed to share that with all of you! Blessings to you as you celebrate Pam’s earthly life and now her eternal life.
Please rest in peace Pam.
RIP Cousin Pam🙏
Pam was always so full of life. Her positive outlook and fabulous smile lit up the room. I can’t even picture her without a smile on her face. My heart goes out to Scott, Isaak, Erica and all her family and friends. My deepest sympathy.
Heaven is getting a beautiful angel. I’m so sorry for your loss to Pam’s family and her extended families…
We’re all gonna miss her! Love you Pam❤
Hugs and prayers sent to you all. Young deaths are hard to understand but remember God takes us when he needs us. Love sent to remember the great memories and talk about them and laugh, cry or get mad what ever helps.
Rest In Peace Pam. Beautiful woman. My prayers and love go out to all the family and friends of Pam.
For me Pam has always been a bright shining star in the heavens, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. We shared an office wall at MSUM for many years, therefore getting to know each other quite well. I am blessed to have shared so many intense wonderful conversations with her in our offices and over coffee, spending many hours discussing topics from technology to religion. Pam taught me so much as a colleague and friend. She was a God send to MSUM and all she touched. Pam’s family and faith was her guiding light and have always admired that faith and her dedication to the Pontoppidan community.
We will miss you dearly. God bless you Scott, Isaac and Erika.
Pam, I always hated when our conversations had to end, guess our next one will have to wait for now. See ya later.
This world has lost an amazing woman. Pam was an inspiration…a mentor and friend. Not only was she a positive impact on so many fortunate to know her, she was wickedly smart and left her mark on each organization that was blessed with her presence. You have been a role model for so many Pam… through your positivity, empathy and courageous nature. Scott, my prayers are with you and the family.
you all are in my prayers
My deepest sympathies to Pam’s entire family. Although I haven’t seen Pam in a number of years, except for her drive-by birthday celebration, I have always considered her to a great friend, and I’ll miss her terribly. Fly high with the angels, my friend. RIP until we meet again.
Pam was such an inspiration to me as I grew my Microsoft business, DFC. She was kind, wise, and had a beautiful personality. The world has lost a wonderful human being, but she has left her mark on thousands. My condolences to her family.
Carol Rogne
She was my friend. She was there for me when I was down and she lifted me up. She will be missed. Love you pammie.
The service was beautiful. I will miss you my friend. Rest in peace until we meet again.
My sympathy to Pam’s family and closest friends. Pam will be missed at MSUM and beyond. I will forever remember her passion, commitment, innovation and kindness. You made us smile, laugh and think creatively and I am forever grateful. You touched so many lives, may you Rest in Peace my friend and amazing colleague.
I shed some tears when I heard Pam had passed. I enjoyed working with her at MSUM. She was an innovator who cared about the transfer students. That is why we got along so well.
She was also very proud of her family. My condolences. May God grant peace.
Pam, I already miss your beautiful smile, your compassion, your strength and unwavering faith. You were an inspiration to us all who had the honor to know you. I pray that we will continue to be inspired in our own lives to see the needs of others and to not be afraid to step out of our comfort zones to make a difference in the lives of others. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Pam always embodied the 3 C’s. Caring, as you know, you are her Family, she cared deeply. She was never a “surface” person, she was deep and caring. Courage, in her world travels and building her career and so very courageous in her illness. Commitment to her Family, her Church, her community, and her “everything”. I really like how the Pastor talked about Pam touching the robe of Jesus and now she is healed. Amen. She was and is a Treasure, hold onto your hope and Faith. Thinking of you all. Lori PE
Pam is truly one of the noble and great ones. She has without doubt been embraced by loved ones in heaven, is deeply missed by those of us left behind, and her absence creates within us a rekindled desire and determination to be better so that we can re-join her one day.
Pam was my advisor and the sole person who encouraged me and believed in me enough to finish my education. I graduate this spring because of her. She is dearly missed already.