Carl F. Speich

Carl Frederick Speich, born April 14, 1932 from Norfolk, VA to Carl and Jenny Speich. Sadly, Carl left us Thursday, January 16th, 2025 in La Crescent, MN at the age of 92. He was proceeded by his death by his beloved wife Carol Speich of 56 years and his parents Jenny and Carl Speich.

Carl attended Hudson High in Hudson, NY where he graduated in 1950. Upon his graduation, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. Afterwards, Carl decided to further his education at Purdue University where he received a Master of Science in Mechanical Education in 1956. After finishing his senior research project in 1963, Carl was hired on to a well-known company to work as a Mechanical Engineer. Carl joined ASHRAE Committee where he received many awards such as Willis H. Carrier Award for co-authoring and presenting a technical paper in 1961. In 1972, Carl was promoted to Senior Engineer and continued to work on various compressor projects. Carl made many connections with colleagues that turned into great future friendships. In 1979, Carl was promoted again to Staff engineer where he became the supervisor for the finite element analysis group and performed structural analyses of A/C units in development. Later he received another award from ASHRAE called the Distinguished Service Award in 1985. It preceeded another ASHRAE Fellow award in 1993. Carl decided in 1997 to “retire” from the company, but we all know he never actually retired. 

During his educational career he met his loving wife Carol at a meeting located in Battelle Memorial Institute on September 8, 1956. After dating for 6 months Carl proposed to Carol. They were married in Ohio on September 7, 1957. Carl is survived by his son David (Jackie) Speich Rosemont, MN; Barb Speich, Great Bend, KS; Paul Speich, Wausau, WI; Karen (Gary) Russell, Peterson, MN. He is also survived by four grandchildren (Nicole, Tony, Bryan and Marissa) and his five Great grandchildren (Ava, Corben, Liam, Luna, and Violet).

Carl and Carol enjoyed many traveling vacations whether it was by Cruise ship or Bus trips. Through these trips they were able to connect with many friends and create an extensive collection of photos albums. Carl and Carol were able to provide wonderful vacations for their children and his grandchildren throughout the years. Carl had a passion for woodworking projects, gardening vegetables and raspberries in his backyard, meeting up with old friends for lunches, attending Senior Dining, attending Lion’s club meetings, learning the latest technology, and attending family gatherings at his children’s homes with the great grandkids. Carl would say laughter was always the best medicine. Carl was also known as the silent type during family gatherings because he always told us the best gift was just listening to the family’s conversations and living in the moment. We are going to do just that Carl- live in the moment like you did and listen to the conversations. You will always be in our hearts and our prayers.

A prayer service will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, 111 South Oak St., La Crescent. Pastor Don Iliff will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 3:00 PM until the time of service.