Noel Spangler, creator of Summerfest's iconic smiley face logo, has died

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The man behind Milwaukee's most famous smile has died.

Noel Spangler was the co-creator of Summerfest's smiley face logo, a simple design that has symbolized the festival for half a century.

In a statement released Tuesday, Jan. 12, Summerfest said:

“Summerfest is forever indebted to Mr. Spangler for his design of the iconic Summerfest smile logo, which has become synonymous with the music festival. His design has changed only slightly since its inception fifty years ago, as it truly embodies Summerfest’s mission of bringing the community together to celebrate music, diversity and summer fun.  On behalf of everyone at Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."

Spangler was 97 years old.