Douglas Robert Spaeth, 67, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, took his last breath on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Froedtert South Hospital in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends. Doug had courageously fought a two-year battle with sarcoma, never losing his faith, dignity, optimism, or compassion for others.
Born on March 10, 1959, in Waukegan, Illinois, Doug was the son of the late George Emil and Mary Lou (Trangmar) Spaeth. He attended St. Anastasia School and graduated from Carmel High School in 1977. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Niles College Seminary of Loyola University (Chicago) in 1981 and his master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola in 1985.
On August 6, 1983, he married the love of his life, Karen Elaine Ekstrand, in Waukegan, Illinois at St. Anastasia Church, where they had first met. Together they enjoyed taking trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, sitting on the beach along the Lake Michigan shore, and sharing a cup of coffee on their patio. Doug was a master griller and teller of dad jokes. Though he may not have sung the correct notes or lyrics, Doug always had a song in his heart.
Doug began his career as a parish youth minister at Our Lady of the Brook in Northbrook, Illinois. In 1985, he became associate director of youth ministry for the Archdiocese of Louisville, living in nearby Bardstown, Kentucky. In 1987, Doug began his new career in paint as the general manager of Larsen & Petersen Paint in Waukegan. He transitioned to a traveling sales role with Muralo Paints and Coatings in 2002. He was most recently employed as a Regional Sales Manager for ICP Group.
The family settled in Kenosha in 1989. They attended St. Mary’s Lutheran Church for many years, and most recently became faithful attendees of St. Anne Catholic Church.
Doug was the most wonderful husband and dad. He loved his wife and all of his children deeply. Whatever concert, theater production, or sports game in which his children participated, Doug was involved. He served as a leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts (Troop 544). He led mission trips to rural Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and taught Sunday School.
In support of his daughter, Emily, who has special needs, he was very active in the Angelman Syndrome and Matthias Academy communities. He coached Challenger Little League every summer. Being the parent to an adult with severe disabilities takes an enormous amount of patience and grace, both of which he embodied. Doug modeled selfless love with everyone in his life.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Karen Spaeth of Kenosha, Wisconsin; three children, Andrew (Erin) Spaeth, Emily Spaeth, and Christina (Alex) Moffett; two grandsons, Garik Spaeth and Eli Moffett; four siblings, George Spaeth, Mary (Ken) Buroker, Jim (Lisa) Spaeth, and Cathy (John) McGowan; one aunt, Jean McLaughlin; mother-in-law, Shirley Ekstrand; and two brothers-in-law, Eric (Jeanne) Ekstrand and Tom (Susan) Ekstrand. He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Megan (Justin) Mirkes, Katie Buroker, Ellesse (Sean) DesMarteau, Jay (Katie) McGowan, Caleigh (Nick Just) McGowan, Liam (Katie) McGowan, Susan Ekstrand, John (Rachel) Ekstrand, Jillian Ekstrand, Alex Ekstrand, and Olivia Ekstrand. Doug also leaves behind many beloved great-nieces & nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Anne Pace Lee Spaeth, in infancy; his parents, George and Mary Lou Spaeth; his father-in-law, Jim Ekstrand; and his nephew, Connor Spaeth.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1st at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anne Catholic Church on Friday, October 2nd at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Matthias Academy would be appreciated by the family. Matthias Academy, 12603 224th Ave, Bristol, WI 53104 https://matthiascommunity.org/
The family would like to thank the entirety of Doug’s medical team at Froedtert, including Dr. Tomasz Jarzembowski, Dr. David King, Dr. Syed Haider, Dr. Kevin Khater, Dr. David Knight, and the caring staff at the Froedtert South Cancer Cancer. They also thank Doug’s colleagues and management at ICP Paint, the Matthias Academy Sunshine Committee, and the clergy and community of St. Anne Catholic Church.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” ~Matthew 25:23