We are deeply saddened to let you know that David Roenspies, our husband, father and grandpa, crossed the finish line of this life this morning. As many of you know, he had been battling heart, kidney, liver and blood complications after aortic valve replacement surgery at the end of September. While his initial recovery went well, about 10 days ago we were told that a second heart valve was leaking and an additional surgery would be needed to replace it. He began physical therapy in rehab to strengthen his body for the upcoming surgery, and was gaining strength and mobility daily. After a good day on Saturday, with more therapy, talking with friends on the phone and visiting with Artis for most of the day, we received a phone call that the nurse had found him unresponsive in his room. Although they were able to resuscitate him with CPR, he never regained consciousness. After a long night of labored breathing, he passed away Sunday morning, November 1st, surrounded by family. Funeral details will be shared once the arrangements have been finalized. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Artis Roenspies, Matt and Robin Roenspies, Jill and Will Flaman
Official Obituary
David R. Roenspies, 72, of Lake Geneva, WI, died Sunday November 1, 2015 at Saint Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. David Roland Roenspies was born August 3, 1943 in Hartford, CT the son of Raymond and Beatrice Roenspies. He graduated from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, IL in 1961 and then from Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA. On June 1, 1966, in Pasadena, CA, he was united in marriage to the former Artis Thomas. He was the owner of D.R.I. Tooling Solutions in Lake Geneva. He also was an ordained minister with the United Church of God. He enjoyed flying and was a member of the Flying Hawks Flying Club in Palmyra, WI and the E.A.A. in Oshkosh, WI.
David is survived by: Artis, his wife of 49 years, his mother Beatrice Roenspies of Lake Geneva, 2 children; Matt (Robin) Roenspies of Elburn, IL and Jill (Will) Flaman of Elgin, IL and 4 grandchildren; Alexandra, Leah, and Thomas Roenspies and Ian Flaman. He was preceded in death by; his father, a son Thomas, and a brother Robert.
A Celebration of David’s life will be held Sunday November 15, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Derrick Funeral Home and Cremations Services in Lake Geneva. Earl Roemer, a friend of David’s will officiate. The Roenspies family will receive visitors at the funeral home, Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Lawrence Evans (1961)
I was shocked to hear of Dave's death, especially on the heels of the loss of Bob Fahey, his brother-in-law, a little over a month before. Dave was probably my best friend at AC, and we hung out frequently with Ron Goodwin and Roger West. Dave gave me a lot of good advice during my freshman year when I was struggling with what I wanted to do with my life. After my being dropped from AC, I rode home to Illinois with him and Larry Walker in Dave's old green Oldsmobile, which Roger had dubbed the "Green Latrine." We went on a camping spree through the northwest into Canada, all the way up to Banff and Jasper parks and back into the US through Montana into Yellowstone and Grand Teton on our way home. I saw Dave only a few times after that, the last time being 2006 at a church service in the Chicago area as they honored him and Artis for their 40th anniversary. Take advantage of any opportunities to reconnect with your old AC classmates, as we never know when it could be the last time.
Patsy Patterson (Mchale) (1961)
Iam saddened to hear of Dave ' s passing. I was in college when he was there. (Patsy Zapf Mchale) entered in 1961 . My prayers to all the family. Each day we are here is precious and a gift from God. May he rest in peace. God bless Patsy Mchale