David M. Dooley

David Matthew Dooley, age 86, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in the early hours of November 24, 2024. David was born on September 11, 1938 to Matthew and Birdena Dooley in Loogootee, Indiana. He is survived by Marty, his wife of 49 years, who was also from Loogootee, and daughters Kathleen Spiess and Megan Dooley. Also survived by Fredrick Whelan (Freddie) Spiess, grandson, and Lance Dyzak, son-in-law. He was preceded in death by brothers Randall Dooley at birth and Dr. Richard Dooley, and son-in-law Andy Spiess. David was a pillar of support for his family, friends, colleagues and various communities. His daughters would say they built their careers on his sage advising, and he was the first phone call to share in the celebration of any milestones or successes. David was also known by all family and friends as a generous storyteller with impeccable comic timing and charm.

David received an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, School of Business. He also earned graduate degrees from Indiana and Ohio State Universities in law and business. He was a member of the Indiana Bar Association.

David served three years as a U.S. Army Captain in the Adjutant General Corps. He then became an international executive. With Lily-Tulip Inc., David became Vice President and Board Member with a background in sales and marketing. He then managed the U.S. Duni Corporation as President. Following his 28-year corporate career, David remained active as Staff Director of Development for the Cathedral Block Renovation at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in downtown Milwaukee. Following this, he worked another ten years as Administrative Director for St. Margaret Mary Parish in Northwest Milwaukee.

He was a founding member of the Advisory Council for the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, and he served as a longtime chaplain volunteer at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital and at the former Christopher East Multiple Sclerosis Hospital.

As a member of St. Monica Parish in Whitefish Bay, David served in a variety of Liturgical Minister positions. He was also active with St. Vincent DePaul Society at both St. Monica and All Saints parishes.

David loved spending time with his family and friends, especially hosting gatherings at their lakeside home. He was enthusiastic about the maintenance of the gardens and constantly entertained and amazed by the wildlife. To say he was a passionate and dedicated football fan of Notre Dame’s “Fighting Irish” is a vast understatement, and he was also an avid fan of the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers.

David held a special spot in his heart for the family dogs, especially Pepsi. We know they are reunited on a woodland trail.

David’s interment at Immanuel Presbyterian Church will be private, with additional details regarding a memorial service and celebration to be shared in the coming months. Memorials in David’s name may be made to the Jesuit Retreat House, 4800 Fahrnwald Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902 or to St. Vincent DePaul at St. Monica Parish, 5681 N. Santa Monica Boulevard, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217.