James W. Specht

James W. Specht, 76, of Loveland, Colorado, formerly of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, passed away on February 20, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 13, 1949, in Madison, Wisconsin, to William and Mary Specht, Jim grew up in Prairie du Chien, where he lived, worked, and raised his family until his retirement in 2023.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Mary Beth Specht. For 33 years they shared life’s simple pleasures, from discovering favorite restaurants and exploring the countryside on long drives to training for triathlons together, competing in best-shot golf tournaments, and taking annual ski trips to Colorado. Jim was also lovingly remembered by his children, Matthew (Stacy) Specht of Ridgefield, Connecticut; Nathan (Alexis) Specht of Aurora, Colorado; stepdaughter Jennifer Titkemeier of Wesley Chapel, Florida; and stepson Michael (Colleen) Mayer of Austin, Texas. He was profoundly proud of each of them and their accomplishments. Jim is also survived by his sisters, Barb (Stan) Toberman and Margaret “Peggy” (Kurt) Smith, both of Prairie du Chien, with whom he shared a lifetime of affection and laughter.

Jim was a devoted grandfather to Charlotte and Carter Specht; Sara Beth and Emily Titkemeier; Ethan and Weston Mayer; and Ruby Specht, who was born just ten days after his passing. He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew Specht; his daughter, Elizabeth Specht; his first wife, Marilyn Bjorton Specht; and his son-in-law, Scott Titkemeier.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in Political Science, Jim began his career as a police officer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and later owned and operated Specht’s IGA in Prairie du Chien. He returned to school to earn a degree in Special Education from Upper Iowa University and taught for nearly three decades at Wyalusing Academy and New Frontier Academy in Prairie du Chien. He brought joy and laughter to the classroom, believed deeply in second chances, and treated every student with dignity and respect. Jim’s warmth, generosity, and unmistakable sense of humor made him a friend to everyone he met. He found great happiness in cheering for the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers, taking long bike rides, hiking, skiing, and playing golf with his family. The Rocky Mountains brought him renewed exuberance, and he spent his final years in Loveland, Colorado, feeling truly at home. His greatest joy was his family, and his legacy of kindness, humor, and unconditional love will live on in all who knew him.