David J. Speth

1939 - 2026

JANESVILLE, WI - David James Speth, 86, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died on March 18, 2026. David was born on August 28, 1939, in Belmont, Wisconsin, the son of Harvey and Eileen (Richards) Speth. David was a proud graduate of Belmont High School Class of 1957. David enjoyed sports during his youth, especially baseball. He also fondly recalled showing his pigs at the fair.

After serving in the US Army, David married the love of his life, Karen Steensland, on March 7, 1964, in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Together, they grew a family. David worked for Wisconsin Power & Light in Mineral Point, moved with the company to Portage, Wisconsin and then to Janesville. David was a long-time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Janesville serving as an usher, participating in Bible studies, helping with Meals on Wheels and playing on their softball team. After David retired, he and Karen loved to travel and enjoyed just being together. They were Wisconsin Badger football season ticket holders for 30 plus years and enjoyed attending and sharing the games with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; daughters, Kimberly (Jeff) Brooks and Jayme (Tim) Roth both of Janesville; and sons, Andrew (Katy) Speth of LaFarge and Kevin (Moira Klos) Speth of Stoughton; twelve grandchildren, Sean (Maggie) Brooks, Kyle (Julia) Brooks, Caitlin (Dustin) Rifkin, Ryan (Jessica) Roth, Alex (Laura) Roth, Jill (Sean) Gallagher, Thomas Speth, Monica (Ben) Sholl, Samuel Speth, Tobias Speth, Liberty Speth and Frankie (Phil) Bernards; fifteen great-grandchildren; and one great grandchild on the way. David is also survived by his brother, Daniel (Gayle) Speth; sister, Joanne Helms; sister-in-law, Joyce Speth; brother-in-law, Jerry Olson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by great-grandson, Noah Brooks; his parents; brother, Donald Speth; sisters, Donna Tierney, Deanne Bennett, Judy Palzkill, and Jolante Olson; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The services celebrating David's life will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 12 noon at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Pastor Jack Fish will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 24th at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers, you may honor David's memory with a donation to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, School and Daycare or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences are welcome at www.henke-clarson.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Janesville and Agrace HospiceCare, especially Nimmer, Katie and Mariah for their wonderful care of David. Also, a special thank you to Pastor Jack Fish and Pastor Andrew Nelson for their support.