Dodgeville – Jerome J. "Jerry" Speth, age 81, of Dodgeville, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2017 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison.

The Wisconsin Values of love of family, integrity and generosity were deeply rooted in Jerome "Jerry" Speth from the day he was born on September 14, 1936 until he passed away following a brief illness on September 15, 2017.

He was born to Joseph and Julia Speth in Verona, Wisconsin. While at home he enjoyed working on the family farm. The work ethic that began there followed him his whole life providing a great example for his children. After high school, he joined the United States Navy and served his country for three years.
He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting and fishing and those hobbies aligned well with his 36-year career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). After his retirement in 1994, he enjoyed golf, golf and more golf and was lucky enough to have four hole-in-ones!

Through his work at the DNR, he met and later married Judi Jones in 1986 and together they enjoyed 32 years of marriage and made a home in Dodgeville. Jerry was a simple man in the best sense of the word and enjoyed being at their home more than almost anything.

Sports were a life-long passion both as a spectator and a player. He loved everything about the Brewers, Packers and Badgers. In fact, he believed if a game was worth watching once, it was worth watching again and he could often be found enjoying a "vintage" game. He was most proud watching his children and grandchildren participate in all kinds of sports and was the most loyal fan attending many of their games from youth sports through college.

He is survived by his wife Judi Speth; four children: Steve Speth of Tucson, AZ, Paul (Andrea) Speth of Evansville, WI, Stacy (Lori) Jones and Jason (Lisa) Jones both of Dodgeville; six grandchildren Hailey, Nicole, Courtney, Shelby, Sean Jones and Samantha Campuzano as well as a younger brother, Joseph in Houston, TX and many other family members and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Francis, and a daughter, Leanne.

Funeral services / Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville. Rev. Jim Droste will officiate. Burial will be held in East Side Cemetery with Military Rites Accorded by the Dodgeville Area Veterans. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the funeral home. A lunch reception will follow at Dodge Point Country Club in Mineral Point.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jerry's name to the Iowa County Cancer Coalition, PO Box 36, Cobb, WI 53526 or Upland Hills Health Foundation, 800 Compassion Way, Dodgeville, WI 53533.