Ariel Spillner

In Loving Memory of Ariel Brooke Spillner

December 31, 1998 – November 4, 2025

DEFOREST / MENOMONEE FALLS – The world lost a radiant soul, far too soon, when Ariel Brooke Spillner, age 26, was unexpectedly taken from us on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Ariel was born on New Year’s Eve in 1998 in Madison, Wisconsin, to James and Hope (Lange) Spillner. She grew up in Windsor and graduated from DeForest High School in 2017, where she was a standout athlete in both soccer and basketball. Her love for sports led her to earn a basketball scholarship to Lake Superior State University before transferring to Clarke University, where she helped lead her team to back-to-back Elite Eight appearances during her junior and senior years.

After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Ariel continued her education at Concordia University Wisconsin, receiving her Master’s degree in Natural Products. She was a proud member of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity and was in the final stages of completing her Doctorate in Pharmacy at the time of her passing.

Ariel was also an accomplished 3rd Degree Black Belt with Plumer Karate America, where she and her sister, Courtney, competed in countless tournaments and brought home many trophies. Her determination, discipline, and quiet strength were matched only by her warmth and generosity of spirit.

Those who knew Ariel knew her heart — wide open, full of kindness, and always ready to help anyone in need. She was the person you could call for advice, comfort, or a laugh that could brighten any day. She had a magnetic personality — goofy, genuine, and endlessly loving. Ariel loved spending time with friends and family, hunting every year with her loved ones, camping, watching LeBron James, cheering on the Packers (especially when they won), and competing in March Madness with her family. She was a true Disney adult at heart and dreamed of moving to Florida after graduation to work as a pharmacist, spend her days on the beach, and watch the sunsets she loved so much.

Ariel’s heart also belonged to her beloved dogs, Angel and Kobe. The love she shared with them was something rare and pure. Angel had been by her side for years, and earlier this year Ariel rescued Kobe — instantly forming a deep, unbreakable bond. The trust and compassion those dogs had for her reflected exactly who Ariel was: gentle, patient, and endlessly giving. They were her companions, her comfort, and her joy.

Her nieces, Kayleigh and Addison, were truly her best little friends and the light of her life. She was so proud of both of them and talked about them to anyone who would listen. She called and FaceTimed them constantly, always making sure they knew how much their Auntie “TT” loved them. Their laughter together was one of her favorite sounds in the world.

Ariel’s laugh and smile were infectious, her spirit unstoppable, and her compassion unmatched. She had a gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel seen and loved.

She is survived by her parents, James and Hope Spillner; her sister, Courtney Spillner (Alex Lierman); and her beloved nieces, Kayleigh and Addison. She is further survived by her aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends, classmates, teammates, and mentors who will forever carry her laughter and light in their hearts. Ariel was preceded in death by her grandparents, Justus and Janice Spillner, and Edward and Marilyn Lange.

Though her time here was heartbreakingly short, Ariel lived fully — with courage, joy, and endless love. Her memory will forever be a beacon for all who were lucky enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00PM on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest. A visitation will be held from 4:00PM until time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Be aware that sections on Highway CV, south of the funeral home, are under construction, so be prepared to take an alternative route.

To view her obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com


Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250