David A. Espeseth Service Information

David A. Espeseth, 84, of Perkasie, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024. He was the husband of Karen Anderson Espeseth for 59 years.

Born February 6, 1939 in Benson, MN, he was the son of the late Lynn & Ethel Burgess Espeseth. David grew up on the family farm in Benson, where he raised champion Yorkshire hogs with his father and brothers. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, and met Karen, who he married in 1965. After graduation, David joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and served two years at Fort Detrick, MD, attaining the rank of Captain. Upon completion of service, he went to work for USDA and moved to Bowie, MD, where he raised his family.

During his career, David earned a Master of Science degree in microbiology from the University of Maryland and rose through the ranks to become Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics. While at USDA, he represented the U.S. government in numerous international fora across five continents, playing a leading role in harmonizing international regulatory requirements and standards for veterinary biologics.

After a 33 year career at USDA, David retired and moved with Karen to Perkasie, PA. During his retirement, he ran a part-time consulting business, traveled around the world, and was active in community tennis and volunteer organizations.

Along with his wife, Karen, David is survived by his children, Amy Espeseth and her husband Mike Miller, Craig Espeseth, Bradley Espeseth and his wife Leandra, Scott Espeseth and his wife Allison; grandchildren, Cecilia Miller, Isabel Miller, Tessa Miller, Elena Espeseth, Reuben Espeseth and Gertrude Espeseth; siblings Randall Espeseth, Kevin Espeseth, and predeceased by his brother and two sisters, Robert Espeseth, Sandra Espeseth-Peterson, Marilyn Espeseth-Erickson.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their condolences on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 11:00am until his Funeral Mass at 12:00pm at St. Jude Catholic Church, 321 West Butler Avenue, Chalfont, PA 18914. Interment with military honors will follow immediately after at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in David’s name can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.

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