Specht, Daniel Frederick --- 1950-2013
THALACKER, SPECHT, JOHNSON
Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 8/15/2013 at 10:28:15
Daniel Frederick Specht
Daniel Frederick Specht, 63, McGregor, Iowa, died as a result of a farm accident on July 8, 2013.
Dan was born May 29, 1950 in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Max and Loretta (Thalacker) Specht. His education began in a one room school, followed by graduation from Monticello High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Northern Iowa. Dan lived and farmed near McGregor from 1973 until the time of his death.
Dan was a passionate conservationist who employed farming practices that promoted diverse plant species as well as habitat for song birds and other wildlife. His love of fishing and hunting gave him joy in his recreation.
Dan was prolific in his ideas and constant in his support for sustainable farming practices, serving as a board member on the Land Stewardship Project (LSP), Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), Award Committee for Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Education (SARE), and the USDA Task Force on the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone. He testified often in Washington, D.C., providing expertise on conservation, sustainable agricultural practices, and farming issues related to systemic change in policy. His leadership in agricultural issues spanned local, regional, statewide and national arenas.
Dan was a leader and visionary who gave voice to a human food production system that would fit into the natural world and would add to the value of what is done in the process. Because Dan gave freely of his experience and expertise, in lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial funds be sent to Practical Farmers of Iowa, earmarking the beginning farmer-grazier program in memory of Dan Specht and his profound knowledge and contribution to sustainable farming and living and, as Dan would say, “how it all fits together.”
Dan is survived by his four siblings: David Specht of New Lisbon, WI; Elizabeth [Steve] Johnson of Monticello; Paul [Kim] Specht of Monticello; Philip [Sharon]Specht of McGregor; many nieces and nephews; and his very close friend, Mary Damm. He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Nathan Specht.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Pike’s Peak State Park at McGregor, Iowa, led by Reverend Dr. Jennifer Edinger.
Leonard–Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.
Taken from a funeral brochure.
-------------------------------------------------Dubuque Telegraph Herald, July 15, 2013, Page 3A, Column One
Rural McGregor Man Dies In Farm Accident
McGREGOR, Iowa --- A rural McGregor man died Friday as a result of a farm accident in Allamakee County.
Daniel Frederick Specht, 63, was moving large, round bales of hay in a field at about 6:40 a.m, at 206 Country Road. Authorities said a bale located on the front loader of the tractor rolled back onto the tractor -- falling on Specht.
The Allamakee County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the accident.
The Monona Fire Department and Monona Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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