David Speer

David Lee Speer, son of Robert and Gladys (Rabel) Speer, was born September 27, 1946 at Morris, Minnesota. He grew up in the Donnelly area, where he began his schooling at District #7. David later attended the Morris High School, graduating in 1964. He then attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, graduating in 1967. Immediately after graduating, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He completed basic training in San Diego, CA before serving on a submarine in Viet Nam. After serving for 4 years and 2 months, David was discharged from the Navy and made his home in Alaska. While living there, he worked on various construction and manufacturing projects, including the Alaskan Pipeline. In 1985, David moved to Panama City Beach, FL, where his job often involved working on Navy contracts, which he enjoyed very much. In 1998, after getting tired of fighting hurricanes, David returned to Minnesota. He made his home in Baudette, where he worked at the Solvay Pharmaceutical Plant as Associate Project Engineer and supervised plant operations.

David was a perfectionist who truly loved his work. He also enjoyed spending time with his family when possible, and loved to spoil his nieces and nephews.

David died unexpectedly on July 17, 2005 at his home in Baudette, MN, having lived to reach the age of 58 years.

He is survived by his father, Robert (Marjorie) Speer of Morris; one brother: Brian (Georgia) Speer and their sons, Eric and Cole of Helena, MT; two step-sisters: Rebecca (Charles) Hennen of Morris and their daughters, Rachel (Jake) Banta and daughter Brooke Banta and Elizabeth Hennen and Jean Trost (fiancAsh: Alan Warner) of Duvall, WA and her children, Brandon Lawyer, Caitlin Lawyer and Dylan Lawyer; one step-brother: Tom (Marcella) Trost of New Richmond, WI and their children, Matt (Devon) Trost, Dan (Melissa) Trost and Marisa Trost; one uncle: Harland (LuEtta) Speer of Brighton, CO and six cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Speer.

Honorary pallbearers for the service are "All of David's Family". Dorothy Vick provided special music at the cemetery, with Military Rites being provided by the Morris VFW, American Legion and AmVets. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris was in charge of the arrangements.