David J. Speth

David J. Speth, (Town of Lima, Wisconsin) was born June 27, 1949. He died September 22, 2025 from complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was preceded in death by his parents John Speth and Elizabeth (Steffanus) Speth and is survived by his wife Sherry, daughter Sophie, and siblings Margaret Speth, Andrew (Janet) Speth, Joan (Fred) Budde, Mary Hammond and Tom (Sheila) Speth.

David had a full and happy life with his wonderful wife and partner Sherry, their daughter Sophie, their family and many friends.

After serving in the US Army at 3rd Infantry Division, Wurzburg, Germany, David attended UW-Madison where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He subsequently was registered as a Professional Engineer in the States of Wisconsin and Illinois.

He joined a national consulting engineering firm based in Sheboygan, WI in 1976. During this phase of his career, he loyally served as a team member for many clients throughout the upper Midwest; first as a wastewater plant design engineer, then as a process control engineer, a project manager, and later as a member of the Design Division management team. He was known for his calm leadership and determination in the chaotic world of consulting engineering.

In 1997, following three rapid sales and reorganizations of the Sheboygan engineering firm, David and two friends, Larry Teunissen and Ed Nevers, started a new employee-owned professional engineering firm, Donohue and Associates. After the addition of Gary Cressey, Phil Englebert, Ken Sedmak, Barb Scheiber, Mike Jensen and Randy Buss, the company quickly flourished. It became a significant player in the regional water and wastewater market place. David served numerous corporate roles during the growth of this new company. He also maintained key relationships with several major clients.

In retirement, David volunteered for many Master Gardener projects including several at Bookworm Gardens. He and Sherry became members of the American Conifer Society (ACS) for which David served in numerous regional and national positions. With the mentorship of Jerry Belanger and Dennis Groh, he was actively involved in organizing and managing activities throughout the Midwest for the Society. He ultimately served as a National Director of ACS for 3 terms.

His interest in gardening and conifers was increased through his involvement in the ACS. He and Sherry created many beautiful garden spaces in their yard. David and Sherry shared their garden creations with the local Sheboygan community.

David also enjoyed outdoor sports including X country skiing which became a passion in the winter and biking in the summer. Many winter weekends included trips with friends to ski trails throughout northern Wisconsin and the UP. The American Birkebeiner Ski Race became an annual end of season event for David and friends. Summer included long bike rides on and off roads enjoying the exertion and natural beauty of the Kettle Moraine.

David and family would like to thank the Staff of the Zablocki VA ALS Clinic, the Milwaukee chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the aurora Hospice team for their compassionate and professional care.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS Association or plant your favorite tree in a place where you may enjoy it.

 The Wenig funeral home-Oostburg (920) 564-2771 is assisting the family with arrangements.