David Joseph Spaeth's Obituary
David Joseph Spaeth, age 74, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away to his eternal rest on February 1, 2024, surrounded by his family at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born on August 6, 1949, in Melrose, Minnesota, to Ralph and Cherie Spaeth. David graduated from Salmon Senior High School in Salmon, Idaho in 1967. He married Jackie Sue Yu on December 21, 1970 in South Korea. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1968 and proudly served his country for over 22 years before retiring in 1990, achieving the rank of Command Sergeant Major. After his retirement from the Army, he began his second career working for Walmart's General Offices in Bentonville until his second retirement in 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister Sandy, and his younger brother Scott.
David is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; son and daughter-in-law, Brian Spaeth and Ashlee Best; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Tina Spaeth; grandson and grand-daughter-in-law, Michael Alexander and Katherine Spaeth; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Rebekah and Renato Gjokhilaj; grandson, Matthew Spaeth; granddaughter and grandson-in-law Mikayla (Kayla) Spaeth and Alexander Disla Dishmey; granddaughters McKenna, Jeslyn and Tegan Spaeth; grandson, Cole Jones and granddaughter Averlee Spaeth; three great grandchildren; younger sister, Joy and Lance Westad; younger brother Gary Spaeth; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
David was a U.S. veteran and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of numerous military accolades including the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
David absolutely adored his children, grand children, and great grand children. He was also a very devoted husband. He enjoyed classic cars and classic rock. He knew his way around the toolbox and was convinced he could fix anything. When he wasn't taking care of his yard and house, he was tinkering with his classic 1965 Ford Mustang which he restored himself from the chassis up.
David will always be remembered for his heartwarming smile, generosity, and love for his family, which was present in everything he did.
Visitation is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery where David will be given a full military honors ceremony.
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