Daniel Speth

Our favorite truck driver said goodbye to his family and left for his final trip to eternal peace. Dan Speth was born March 18, 1941, to Harvey and Eileen (Richards) Speth. He died July 8, 2026, with family by his side.  He graduated from Belmont High School in 1959.  Dan was drafted into the Army and honorably served from 1963 to 1965. He was a truck driver for over 50 years, proudly driving millions of miles accident free. On July 14, 1972, Dan married Gayle (Bockhop) who was his rock for almost 54 years.

Dan felt he had a wonderful life full of fun.  He was a hard worker and proud of the life he and Gayle, who he affectionately called Toots, built together. Dan enjoyed a cold Old Style, making pancakes for his family, baking his famous cinnamon rolls, gardening, camping in Prairie du Chien, fishing and traveling. He and Gayle enjoyed several winters by pulling their camper south after his retirement. Dan encouraged his kids to “go see this beautiful country” and taught them that family vacation memories last forever. 

Dan loved baseball, especially Brewer games, rarely missing a game. He planned ahead every season to make sure his family went to a game together. In the later years his family continued the tradition by taking him to games, most recently on Memorial Day. 

Dan loved to drive semi, he thought it was the greatest job in the world. The only thing he loved more than being behind the wheel was his family. Nothing made him happier than a visit or a phone call from the grandkids. 

Dan is survived by his wife Gayle; son Todd (Erin) Speth; daughter Tina (Randy) Palas; and grandkids including his namesake Danielle Jean Palas, Zach Palas, Reese Speth, and Hudson Speth. He is further survived by sister Joanne Helms; sisters in law Joyce Speth, Karen Speth, Nancy Bockhop, Karen (Roger) Nodorft, and Kathy Bockhop, brother-in-law Jerry Olson, and many many nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald Speth and David Speth, sisters Donna (Pat) Tierney, Deanne (Curly) Bennett, Judy (Jim) Palzkill, Jolante Olson; sister-in-law Beverly (Tom) Lapp; brothers in law Clifford (Carol) Bockhop, Wayne (Eldeen) Bockhop, Mark Bockhop, Dan Bockhop, Sparrow Bockhop, and Ron (Maggie) Bockhop.

Funeral services will be at 4:00 PM, Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Rev. Gus Barnes will officiate.  If you’re able to join us to celebrate Dan’s life, feel free to dress casual and wear your favorite trucker hat. Chapel military rites will be accorded.  Burial will be at the Belmont Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until the time of the services at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Daniel J. Speth Memorial Fund, which will be used to support local Belmont community organizations.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

The family would like to THANK the wonderful staff of Southwest Health, St. Mary’s 4E, Edenbrook and Agrace Hospice for their fantastic care.