Douglas Michael Hespe

Douglas Michael Hespe was born in Winner, South Dakota on January 25, 1957 to Louis Hespe and Georgia Sund Hespe. He died Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 69 years, surrounded by laughter and love. Doug was married to Ruth Ellen Schwenk on December 5, 1981, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their marriage flourished through the next 44 years, despite him only earning a “B” in his Marriage class in high school. Known for his lighthearted shenanigans and sense of humor, Doug had a way of bringing laughter into any room. His good-natured teasing and nonjudgmental way of talking to people endeared him to anyone who met him. Doug’s life was rooted in service, love, and generosity. Cooking was one of his greatest delights, and no one ever left his table hungry—especially those in need, whom he nourished not only with food, but with compassion and dignity. He was instrumental in fulfilling the mission of the Open Table Community Cafe while it was open. Leading by example was intrinsic to his nature, first through his career in drug store management and later in human resources and loss prevention. He delighted in sharing stories of his youthful small-town rascally exploits, along with the storied hijinks from his loss prevention stakeouts. With a story always at the ready and a spark of mischief in his eye, Doug drew people in and left them lifelong friends. Doug’s faith was not simply something he professed, but something he lived out through his steadfast service at First Presbyterian Church in Owasso, OK. He found particular joy in mentoring young people and volunteered as the first youth director of the church, sharing wisdom and encouragement, and modeling integrity and compassion. At the heart of Doug’s life was his family. He was a devoted husband and encouraging father. His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he poured patient guidance, steady wisdom, and the playful love that defined him into their lives. Doug’s legacy lives on in the meals shared, the gardens grown, the Sunday drives, the lives mentored, and the countless acts of quiet generosity that marked his days. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Georgia; 3 siblings, Gerald Hespe (Linda), Ronald Hespe (Barbara), and Debbie Dodd (Gerald); and his life-long best friend, Larry Nelsen. He leaves behind many who will forever cherish his memory: his wife of 44 years, Ruth Ellen Hespe; his daughter, Heather (Hespe) and husband Dan Rupley of Castle Rock, Colorado; and his three grandsons, Felix, Maxwell, and Jackson Rupley, also of Castle Rock; 3 of his siblings; Beverly Whitney (Bill) of Rapid City, SD; Barbara Lee (Melvin) of Winner, SD; and Richard Hespe of Ivanhoe, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. He is also lovingly remembered by many dear friends whom he embraced as chosen family. A memorial service will be held in Owasso, Oklahoma at a later date, with a committal service and interment to follow in Winner, South Dakota. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to a GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/77614b185) established to support Ruth’s relocation to Colorado to live with her daughter and grandsons, and to provide for her continued care. Arrangements were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Services of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com

Douglas Michael Hespe

January 25, 1957 - February 19, 2026