Laura Sue Speer

Laura Sue Speer, age 76 of Kewaunee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 10, 2026, with family by her side after a short illness.

Laura was born on February 26th, 1950 to parents Benjamin and Marjorie (Smith) Dahlke. She graduated from Antigo Senior High School with the class of 1968. On May 23rd, 1981 she married Joe Speer after an 8-year courtship on the "RMS Queen Mary" in Long Beach, Ca.

Laura worked on the family farm, and having much artistic talent, she specialized in painting tractors and rounding up cows on her Honda 50. After high school and completing a clerk/typist degree, she moved to Washington, DC to work for the FBI as a finger print technician. A year later, she moved back home and enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at Vandenberg AFB base in Ca. Here, she tracked satellites and became proficient in ceramics at the base's outstanding hobby shop. After completing her service, she moved to Sunnyvale, CA. and worked for several companies before joining Lockheed to work at the Satellite Test Center, control center for multiple sites connected to where she worked in the Air Force. In Sunnyvale, she got her degree using the GI bill. She entered many artistic competitions, won a Tony and many Golden Bear awards. She also joined the Navy Reserves. After 10 years, she took early retirement from Lockheed to focus on multiple artistic talents, and to begin writing and illustrating her book, "Life on Kyle's Mountain." While still in Sunnyvale, she joined the California Air National Guard. When her husband retired from Lockheed Martin, they moved to Brookings, Oregon, where Laura had her book edited and published. They spent many hours beachcombing and views of the ocean with fishing boats and whales. In 2018, they relocated to Kewaunee to be closer to family and medical care.

Laura is survived by her husband, Joe; sisters, Lisa (Larry) Dumke of Bowler, WI, Lynda (David) Nichols, and Leah Iris; brother, Larry Dahlke Manteca, CA; brothers-in-law, Jon Speer of Bryan, OH, Jed (Janice) Speer of Massillon, OH. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Ruth and Harry Speer; sister-in-law Kay Dahlke; niece, Kara Bienz; grandparents, Louie and Lillian Dahlke & Martha and Ernest Smith.

Special thanks to Bellin Hospital in Green Bay’s ER department and the 7th and 4th floor staff. The staff at Kewaunee Health Services, especially Michelle, RN and Barb, LPN. Also, to the ambulance staff and Unity Hospice for keeping Laura pain free, with guidance from Bradley, RN, of Unity. In addition, Laura’s sister Lisa Dumke, for the care she has provided to her. She was instrumental in bringing Laura peace during this time in her life.

As per Laura's request, no funeral will be held. Arrangements are being handled by Simply Cremation of Green Bay.